Another fairly murky dive, but we saw more Snapper than we've ever seen before! There were several species of Leatherjackets - some of them quite large, including 6-spined, Yellow, and Horseshoe. We saw a few Zebras, but no large schools.
We headed further West on this dive, and came across a couple of Port Jackson Sharks, one under a ledge, and the other swimming through the weed.
Ricketts never disappoints. Kirsty and I love diving here!
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.dpuf
Divers: Kirsty Batchelor, Peter Batchelor
Weather/Sea: 5 - 10kt Westerly.
Visibility: 6-7 Metres.
Water temperature: 18°C.
Maximum depth: 4.7 metres.
Time of entry: 11:45
Duration: 68 minutes.