Imagine the thrill of discovering a lost luxury passenger liner nearly fifty years after her disappearance. When you dive the now 100 year old wreck of the S.S. Yongala, you may feel some of the same excitement that the divers who first discovered the wreck in 1958 certainly must have felt.
The Yongala, lost in a cyclone during a routine voyage from Mackay to Townsville, was last seen by Dent Island’s lighthouse keeper on the afternoon of March 23, 1911. The ship went down with at least 122 souls on board: 73 crew members, and 49 adult passengers. Children were not listed on the manifest; however it is likely that there were at least a few who perished when the Yongala met her end. The beautifully appointed ocean liner was also laden with 617 tons of cargo, properly stowed in the lower hold, when she took her final voyage. After the ship was lost, some of that cargo, including the body of a racehorse named Moonshine, was found washed up at the mouth of Gordon Creek, just outside Townsville. Incidentally, Moonshine’s was the only body found by the volunteers who searched for survivors and remains after the ship’s demise.
At Peace Within The Great Barrier Reef
Today, the S.S. Yongala lies on her side, on the sandy sea bottom inside the Great Barrier Reef’s central section, approximately forty-eight nautical miles from her original destination of Townsville. She is located east of Cape Bowling Green, and has become a fantastic artificial reef. Though a sense of the tragedy that occurred so long ago can be gained through the occasional sighting of human bones, the ship is now home to an amazing array of marine life, including an abundance of corals and sponges, as well as plenty of large predatory fish like snapper, trevally, and cod.
Once you are beneath the surface, expert dive masters point out beautiful marine life and artifacts. As you swim alongside Yongala’s hull, you can see small fish peering out from the portholes, and watch for larger fish hiding in protected areas. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of “V.W” – a Queensland Grouper who is as large as his namesake!
Silver Chevron Barracuda swim along Yongala’s topside, which is at fifteen meters, and they have a tendency to school near the safety stops located at five and ten meters. If you are fortunate, you may get a look at some of the bull sharks that tend to cruise in to as close as twenty meters from the wreck, or catch a glimpse of a Cow Tailed Ray.
If you hope to see turtles while diving the Yongala, you will very likely get your wish! Three species of sea turtles frequent Yongala’s decks and are often seen heading to the surface to breathe. Giant Loggerhead turtles, which are carnivorous, can be seen feeding on crabs and jellyfish. Green sea turtles munch on sea grasses, and graceful Hawksbill sea turtles swim and feed nearby. Sea snakes, which are harmless and grow up to six feet in length, can also be seen swimming to the surface to breathe.
Getting to The Yongala
There are several quality dive operators that run to the Yongala from Townsville, Alva Beach, Ayr, and Magnetic Island.
The weather off Queensland is tropical year-round, but can be unpredictable. Add to that the fact that the Yongala lies in open, unprotected water, and you will understand why it is important to select a quality charter company with plenty of experience in diving this amazing wreck. The best companies will be able to provide you with information about tides and weather, and help you select the best time to plan your trip to the Yongala.
Intermediate diving certification is required, however don’t let your lack of experience stop you! Most of the charters that offer trips to the Yongala can also help you attain your diving certification. The history, mysterious sights, and abundance of sea life make the trip worthwhile.