SHIPWRECKS

Western Australia has a secret history that is one of shipwrecks & survival which was an accidental discovery of Australia by Dutch, Spanish, Europeans. First contact 1606 then by 1700’s the country was referenced as New Holland decades before James Cook in 1770 claimed the country for Great Britain & colonization began. Here is a selection of some interesting features that tell the stories of a WA’s horrible history up & down the coast.

wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Australia

Xantho, 1872
Xantho, the first steamship to ply WA’s coast, was used as transport for pearling operations in WA’s north. The ship, in poor condition and overloaded, was sailing from Port Gregory to Fremantle when it began to take on water. Returning to Port Gregory it struck a sandbar and sank. The wreck was found by local fisherman in 1979.

Zuytdorp, 1712
In 1711 Dutch ship Zuytdorp left the Netherlands bound for Batavia (Jakarta). It never arrived, and with no idea of where it was lost, there was no search. In 1927, coins and other items were found on a beach near Kalbarri along with signs that survivors had made it to shore. The wreck site was first explored in 1964.

Batavia, 1629
The Dutch ship was on its way to Batavia (Jakarta) laden with gold and silver when it struck a reef in the Abrolhos off the coast of Geraldton. Most on board made it to shore.
The commander and some crew took a longboat to Batavia for help but when they returned, a mutiny had taken place, with more than 100 of the survivors killed.

Zeewijk, 1727
After being wrecked on the Abrolhos reefs near Geraldton, a small rescue group took the Zeewijk’s longboat to get help but were never seen again. The remaining survivors used local timber to build another boat, and with more than 80 survivors on board, sailed to Batavia (Jakarta).

Trial, 1622
British ship Trial, Australia’s oldest known shipwreck, struck a reef near the Montebello Islands in WA’s north. Two separate parties of survivors took longboats to Batavia (Jakarta). The location of the Trial wreck remained a mystery until 1969 when it was found by Fremantle’s Underwater Explorers Club.

Cervantes, 1844
US whaling ship Cervantes made its first voyage to WA in 1841, visiting Albany. During its second WA visit in 1844, it was extensively damaged during a storm while anchored at Jurien Bay. With the ship unable to sail, it was sold for salvage. It fetched 155 pounds.

Vergulde Draeck, 1656
The Vergulde Draeck was the first Dutch and English East India shipwreck found on WA’s coast. Wrecked in 1656, it took until 1963 before local spear-fishermen rediscovered it near Ledge Point. While 75 of the 193 people on board are believed to have made it to shore, searches after the initial shipwreck could not find them.

Georgette, 1876
Steamship Georgette was used to transport cargo and passengers along the WA coast. In 1876 on a voyage from Fremantle to Adelaide it started taking on water. After two recovery attempts it capsized near Margaret River.
Charges were later brought against the captain over the ship’s condition.

Macedon, 1883 and Denton Holme, 1890
Though wrecked seven years apart, cargo ships the Macedon and the Denton Holme both ran aground on the same reef off Rottnest. The wrecks now lie adjacent to each other between Transit Reef and Kingston Spit.

James Matthews, 1841
Bound for Fremantle from London, the James Matthews was carrying general cargo when it struck rocks just offshore at Woodman Point after anchoring there. The wreck site was located in 1973 by the Underwater Explorers Club.

The Alkomos Wreck
The Alkimos wreck is one of the most haunted dive sites in Western Australia. Stories of workmen sealed inside the hull, murder onboard and ghostly apparitions in the night. The now collapsed site offshore near Shorehaven sits about 3m deep. The Alkimos Wreck can be reached by launching at the Mindarie Marina boat ramp.

HMAS Swan Dunsborough
The HMAS Swan in Dunsborough is one of the most diver-friendly wrecks in the state. Before the naval destroyer was scuttled in 1997, all kinds of diver access holes were cut, so there are entry and exit points in all areas of the ship. If you’re planning on diving the wreck you’ll be heading as deep as 32m below sea level, however the top of the vessel sits at 10m. All kinds of marine animals have made it their home, including King George whiting and brim (best spotted around the hull). The highlights of the wreck can be found in the depths; the inquisitive salmon fish practically pose for photos, and the coral formations are steadily growing, giving you a different experience after a prolonged absence.

Sanko Harvest
The Esperance coast is considered among the best diving locations in the state. It’s home to the famous Sanko Harvest shipwreck – the second-largest dive wreck in the world and a vital habitat for marine life such as blue groper and red snapper.

Lapwing Wreck
The Lapwing wreck – covered with soft coral and sponge growth – is another popular site. Albany’s King George Sound is filled with granite boulders that sit like giant marbles on the ocean floor, and it’s also the resting place for the HMAS Perth. Sunk in 2001, it has a high level of growth and marine life. Novice divers can explore the upright wreck, which begins at 5m, but if you have adequate diving experience, dive down as far as 36m (remember, you’ll need a permit to dive it).

Rottnest Island wrecks
If you’re looking for several wrecks to dive in one hit, Rottnest is the place to go. There are dozens of wrecks around the islands – each has its own plaque describing the wreck and its history, and there are onshore markers indicating locations. The swell can be a bit temperamental but there are a number of easy-to-reach sites (okay for snorkelers), including the hopper barge Shark at Henrietta Rocks, the Uribes at Thomson Bay, and the Kiryo Maru I near Cathedral Rocks (50m offshore and a little more challenging to reach).

Four awesome shipwrecks on Perth beaches
WA has an extraordinary maritime history and there are plenty of shipwrecks shallow enough to be enjoyed with nothing more than a mask and snorkel. Read on to dive into their unique stories and where to find them.

Omeo Wreck in Coogee
Just 25 metres from the shore of Coogee Beach rests the remains of iron steamship, Omeo. The star attraction of the Coogee Maritime Trail ran aground in 1905 after multiple close shaves, including the disastrous collision with Swan Spit Lighthouse that saw the building collapse into the ocean. The Omeo played an integral part in Australian history, assisting in laying the Bass Straight and Overland submarine telegraph line which allowed Australia to communicate across the world with Britain.
Peeking out from the shallows only two to four metres deep, the sternpost and collapsed sections of the bow are visible from the shore, and snorkelers can explore this piece of Australian history up close, alongside the colourful marine life that have made the Omeo their home. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, sea squirts and Shaw’s cowfish, amongst the array of coral species on site. The trail aims to educate divers on WA’s rich naval archaeology via underwater plaques, artificial reefs and submerged art sculptures. Dutch inspired replica cannons and giant sea stars are scattered amongst the purpose-built reef, which strives to support local biodiversity. This unique underwater experience is not to be missed!

The Wreck of The Shark on Rottnest Island
With more than 13 ships wrecked within its waters, Rottnest Island is rich in maritime history. Only 50 metres from the shore, The Shark is Rottnest Island’s most accessible shipwreck and is a great spot to bring the kids for an immersive underwater adventure. With the bay boasting smooth, shallow waters this is an easy swimming site for those still getting comfortable in the water. Breaking free of her mooring in Fremantle in 1939, the barge ship struck Henrietta Rocks on the east side of the island, before coming to rest on the seabed beneath Lookout Hill where she still lies today. Henrietta Rocks is an easy 23-minute drive – or a 10-minute cycle – from the Rottnest Island Ferry Jetty along Parker Point Road, with the wreck just a short swim from the shore. If you don’t have your own snorkelling gear, Pedal and Flipper has island visitors covered with snorkelling kits available to hire for your trip.

Uribes Wreck
If military history is your jam, look no further than the eerie Uribes wreckage, off the shore of Thomson Bay near Philip Point on Rottnest Island. Although the Uribes is one of Rottnest’s most recent sunken sea-farers, it is also one of the oldest ships off the island’s coast. Originally built in 1868 as a barque, Uribes eventually became a munitions and vehicle carrier during the Second World War. In 1942, the vessel wrecked just metres from the Natural Jetty in Thomson Bay after her engines failed. Wedged between the protective shields of the jetty and the reef, this is one of Perth’s most well-preserved wreckages, with machinery and parts of the hull still in excellent condition. Make sure to check the weather before setting out for this watery wonder, as strong swells can push swimmers into the boat.

Alex T. Brown Shipwreck, Yanchep
Just metres south of Yanchep’s popular surf break ‘The Spot’, the Alex T. Brown was beached in 1917 after losing control in strong gales. The site is one of the only two four-masted schooner shipwrecks in the whole of Australia, chronicling the danger of maritime travel in the early 20th century. Memories of Alex T. Brown litter the community of Yanchep, with wood taken from wreckage embedded in local structures like the Yanchep Inn and parts of the historic Lindsay Homestead. There is always a new discovery to be made at this site, as it is constantly changing with the tides, seasons and weather. Within the frames of the shipwreck, snorkellers will be able to explore the ship’s original keel, sister and rider keelsons and various other remnants.

Omeo Wreck in Coogee
Just 25 metres from the shore of Coogee Beach rests the remains of iron steamship, Omeo. The star attraction of the Coogee Maritime Trail ran aground in 1905 after multiple close shaves, including the disastrous collision with Swan Spit Lighthouse that saw the building collapse into the ocean. The Omeo played an integral part in Australian history, assisting in laying the Bass Straight and Overland submarine telegraph line which allowed Australia to communicate across the world with Britain. Peeking out from the shallows only two to four metres deep, the sternpost and collapsed sections of the bow are visible from the shore, and snorkelers can explore this piece of Australian history up close, alongside the colourful marine life that have made the Omeo their home. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, sea squirts and Shaw’s cowfish, amongst the array of coral species on site. The trail aims to educate divers on WA’s rich naval archaeology via underwater plaques, artificial reefs and submerged art sculptures. Dutch inspired replica cannons and giant sea stars are scattered amongst the purpose-built reef, which strives to support local biodiversity. This unique underwater experience is not to be missed!
More details on the maritime trail and sites can be found here.

The Wreck of The Shark on Rottnest Island
With more than 13 ships wrecked within its waters, Rottnest Island is rich in maritime history. Only 50 metres from the shore, The Shark is Rottnest Island’s most accessible shipwreck and is a great spot to bring the kids for an immersive underwater adventure. With the bay boasting smooth, shallow waters this is an easy swimming site for those still getting comfortable in the water. Breaking free of her mooring in Fremantle in 1939, the barge ship struck Henrietta Rocks on the east side of the island, before coming to rest on the seabed beneath Lookout Hill where she still lies today. Henrietta Rocks is an easy 23-minute drive – or a 10-minute cycle – from the Rottnest Island Ferry Jetty along Parker Point Road, with the wreck just a short swim from the shore. If you don’t have your own snorkelling gear, Pedal and Flipper has island visitors covered with snorkelling kits available to hire for your trip.

Uribes Wreck
If military history is your jam, look no further than the eerie Uribes wreckage, off the shore of Thomson Bay near Philip Point on Rottnest Island. Although the Uribes is one of Rottnest’s most recent sunken sea-farers, it is also one of the oldest ships off the island’s coast. Originally built in 1868 as a barque, Uribes eventually became a munitions and vehicle carrier during the Second World War. In 1942, the vessel wrecked just metres from the Natural Jetty in Thomson Bay after her engines failed. Wedged between the protective shields of the jetty and the reef, this is one of Perth’s most well-preserved wreckages, with machinery and parts of the hull still in excellent condition. Make sure to check the weather before setting out for this watery wonder, as strong swells can push swimmers into the boat.

Alex T. Brown Shipwreck, Yanchep
Just metres south of Yanchep’s popular surf break ‘The Spot’, the Alex T. Brown was beached in 1917 after losing control in strong gales. The site is one of the only two four-masted schooner shipwrecks in the whole of Australia, chronicling the danger of maritime travel in the early 20th century. Memories of Alex T. Brown litter the community of Yanchep, with wood taken from wreckage embedded in local structures like the Yanchep Inn and parts of the historic Lindsay Homestead. There is always a new discovery to be made at this site, as it is constantly changing with the tides, seasons and weather. Within the frames of the shipwreck, snorkellers will be able to explore the ship’s original keel, sister and rider keelsons and various other remnants.

https://www.divingwawrecks.com/