I was surprised how little large fish life there was under the pie, but the water was seething with tiny fry. We saw lots of Hermit Crabs, a Spider Crab, several Leatherjackets, Flounder, a large Pipe Fish, a Dumpling Squid, nudibranchs and Roughies. We also got to swim under the hull of Notorious, the Caravelle replica that we looked over at Paynesville a couple of years ago. She was tied up at the pier, and was planning on staying there for the weekend. Towards the end of the dive we also swam out to the wreck to the East of the pier, where the water was much clearer.
About 9 pm, incoming SS Penola ( 500 tons) struck and ran down City of Launceston which began to settle almost immediately. Passengers and crew transferred with difficulty to Penola. Sunken vessel valued at about 17,000 pounds - not insured. Sold by auction to Barrett, engineer of City of Launceston, who sold to a syndicate but salvage attempts eventually abandoned. Victorian Steam Navigation Board Inquiry held City of Launceston to blame for accident. Two separate Supreme Court actions by the respective owners for damages found in favour of the plaintiff in each case! An appeal by the aggrieved owner of the Penola for a non suit or a new trial was ultimately refused. Eleutheria, lighter, exhibited light at wreck site until it too sank. City of Launceston was the first shipwreck to be declared an Historic Shipwreck under new Victorian legislation. Built for the Melbourne to Launceston Bass Strait run, it was a regular trader across Bass Strait. - See more at:
http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/shipwrecks/124#sthash.aPC0R645.dpufAbout 9 pm, incoming SS Penola ( 500 tons) struck and ran down City of Launceston which began to settle almost immediately. Passengers and crew transferred with difficulty to Penola. Sunken vessel valued at about 17,000 pounds - not insured. Sold by auction to Barrett, engineer of City of Launceston, who sold to a syndicate but salvage attempts eventually abandoned. Victorian Steam Navigation Board Inquiry held City of Launceston to blame for accident. Two separate Supreme Court actions by the respective owners for damages found in favour of the plaintiff in each case! An appeal by the aggrieved owner of the Penola for a non suit or a new trial was ultimately refused. Eleutheria, lighter, exhibited light at wreck site until it too sank. City of Launceston was the first shipwreck to be declared an Historic Shipwreck under new Victorian legislation. Built for the Melbourne to Launceston Bass Strait run, it was a regular trader across Bass Strait. - See more at:
http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/shipwrecks/124#sthash.aPC0R645.dpufDivers: Peter Batchelor, William Batchelor
Weather/Sea: Slight, 10 Knot Southerly.
visibility: 4-5 metres.
Water temperature: 20°C.
Maximum depth: 4.6 metres.
Time of entry: 21:05.
Duration: 65 minutes.
