DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA FEB 2026

Many wrecks provide refuge for marine life that is overfished in shallower waters.

The Satara. Is a Wreck off Seal Rocks in 43 m of water. It is also totally exposed and has similar challenges to the Tuggerah in that it is exposed to dangerous currents, it is deep and it is some of the most shark infested places in the ocean. This area is renowned as a breeding ground for Great White sharks but they never seem to bother us so far. More importantly, we remain vigilant for that treasured photo opportunity if one does greet us. It is also right in the Humpback Whale migration route and we dive there at that time. The Yongala The Yongala is another favorite dive. I have done 37 dives on this wreck over the last forty years. It is rare to get more than four or five dives a trip. In fact, it is often probable that the dive is not possible due to the powerful currents, big seas, wild wind and other unforeseen factors. I was always highly amused after I first dived the Yongala in 1987, to see most of the wheelhouse and many ships artifacts in a museum in Port Douglas one week later during that trip to far North Queensland. To be fair to the new owner, the artifacts had been lifted from the wreck legally just before legislation was passed to prohibit removal of artifacts from this historic wreck. He had them restored professionally and he had done an excellent job in the presentation.

So, the best way to get to know the Yongala wreck is to do the dive and then do the museum. Once again, I am fascinated by the abundant marine life that is resident on the wreck. I have read extensively on the history of this wreck, often called Australia’s Titanic. I am always fully aware that it is a most sacred site to many people. One hundred and twenty-one souls died on this disaster, as well as a racehorse. Many long-time residents of Townsville and Far North Queensland have relatives that perished when the ship went down. It sank just before the time that radio communication was becoming available. They had no idea about the huge storm that eventuated a few hours after leaving Mackay harbor. A radio message would have saved the Yongala! Max Gleeson has researched the Yongala in great depth. He presents some very insightful evidence-based theories about her demise in his You Tube shows. It is one of the great absorbing mysteries of the sea. The Yongala is another very challenging dive. I have dived it when most guests on the live aboard geared up, jumped in, fought the current and decided it was far too dangerous and then aborted the dive. Not our fate. Once we got down after a herculean struggle, my buddy Simon and I, hugged the lee side of the hull and had a brilliant dive. I have also done exactly the same dive in treacherous conditions at night. One dive, I used one third of a tank just fighting a ferocious current down the safety rope to the wreck. The water

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Dive Log Australasia #416 February ’26

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