SHARK (1899-1939)
Shark from shore, photo: unknown
Description
Hopper Barge
Construction
Steel
Size
4200 tonnes length 88.0ft beam 22.0ft depth 9.5ft
Built
State Railway Works in 1899 as Barge
Owner
Harbours Department refitted c1913 as Dredge
Sunk
1939
Location
located approximately 25 metres from shore adjacent to a reef platform in shallow water.
Latitude/Longitude
(-32.01361, 115.54148)
Sinking
She went aground en route to scuttling in the Rottnest graveyard on Friday 10 Feb 1939 when the towing hawser got caught around the launch Myrtle’s propeller in the surge from the heavy swell. The barge was cut away, and drifted ashore at Henrietta Rocks, while a passing launch towed the Myrtle into Thompson’s Bay. As SHARK was being scuttled anyway, there was no real pressure to recover her, and indeed nothing further was done.
Underwater
The site consists of above water sections and underwater some sections remain intact and offer interesting snorkel viewing. Note: as the wreck is in shallow water and surrounded by reef, access is treacherous for boat and suggested from shore only. The site is protected from most swell.
Gallery
Location
Videos
Video Rottnest south wrecks by Dave Jackson