Kodak’s Korner

Background:

The S.S. Yongala was a passenger / freight steam ship on route from Melbourne to Cairns on 23 March 1911 when it suffered an unfortunate, and fatal, incident with a cyclone.  The ship sunk without a trace south of Townsville, Queensland.  Over 122 people perished in the accident, and the actual cause of the wreck is still unknown.

It wasn’t until after WW2, in 1958, that the wreck of the Yongala was discovered, surprisingly intact.  The site has since been registered as a heritage site by the Queensland Government, and there is a small museum located in Townsville that features artifacts and history of the ship.

[Thanks to Wikipedia for a memory refresh on Yongala history]

As one of the largest, most intact historic wrecks, the S.S. Yongala has become a very popular dive destination.

Dive Profile:

Location: Off the coast of Ayr, a small town about 1hr drive south of Townsville, QLD

Depth: Top of wreck sits at 20m (~60 ft), bottom depth is up to 28m (~100 ft)

Experience Level: Intermediate

Certification Recommendation: Advanced Underwater or Equiv.

Other: The S.S. Yongala sits inside the Great Barrier Reef, however it is less protected than other dives in the area.  The boat ride can be rough for those prone to seasickness, and their can be somewhat heavy currents on the wreck itself.

Wildlife: Humphead Wrasse (Maori Wrasse), sea turtles, sea snakes, and soft coral are among the most notable Yongala residents.

Enjoy these photos taken at the S.S. Yongala wreck – and as always, click for larger images.

[View with PicLens]