Diving the SS Tuggerah

On Saturday 16 May 1919. The SS Tuggerah left Bulli after loading more than 800 tons of coal. This coastal steamer was on its way to Sydney. The coal wasn't evenly divided inside the ship and the coal on the deck wasn't trimmed. To save time, captain McConachie, decided to trim it at sea. Due to the high and rough seas it was very difficult for the crew to trim the coal on deck. Just a few hours after they left, a huge wave hit the post side and came over the ship. The ship turned to its side and sank with the stern down first.

The captain ordered the abandon ship in the lifeboat. Eleven people got in the lifeboat and after an hour of searching for remaining survivors the rowed off to Cronulla. Captain McConachie died and so did 5 other crew members.

Nowadays the SS Tuggerah lies on its port side and the bow of the wreck is destroyed. The ships mast is lying on the left side of the wreck. The rudder and the boiler are still visible.

There are millions of fish that inhabit the wreck of the SS Tuggerah. Bullseyes and yellowtails are seen in large groups. Wobbegongs are found near the boilers and cuttlefish are often seen on the wreck as well.