News
Divers discover mystery shipwreck off Sydney coast
A mystery shipwreck has been discovered off the Sydney coastline by divers.
Using sonar technology and old records from the NSW Department of Public Works and Royal Australian Navy, self-confessed history “nut” Scott Willan found the wreck about 6.5kms directly east of the Macquarie Lighthouse, near Watsons Bay.
The wreck, which is about 28m long sits upright in 73m of water.
Photos show the rudder and bow of the iron-hulled ship which are clearly distinguishable, despite being covered in seaweed and shellfish.
Mr Willan, who dived the wreck last week, said he is 95 percent sure he can identify the vessel.
“Based on reinterpreted data I have from Public Works and more recent data from a survey by the Navy in the area, I think it’s the SS Yamba, a tug boat that was used in Sydney Harbour,” he said.
Records show the Yamba was a 104-ton iron-hulled, steam-powered tug built by Altas Engineering in 1920 for J. Fenwick and Co., an old Balmain-based tugboat company.
Mr Willan said she was stripped down and then scuttled in 1942.
On its website the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage described the Fenwick Tug Boat Company as the “earliest and pre-eminent tugboat operator on Sydney Harbour.”
Official records state that the Yamba “foundered approximately 5 miles off South Head, bearing west by north (magnetic) in 40 fathoms”.
“You’ve got to remember this was a time when ships were moving away from steam to diesel powered engines,” Mr Willan said.
“To strip out the old steam boiler to put in a diesel motor would have been expensive.”
After the discovery Mr Willan had to report the find the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage as well as the federal government’s Australian Hydrographic Service, which maintains and produces navigational charts.
Photos: Damien Siviero
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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