Dive Site: The Kyarra
Location: 50°34.90N; 01°56.59W (Swanage)
Description: 6953 ton twin masted schooner-rigged steamer
Length: 126 metres
Depth: 18 metres to top of wreck, 30 metres to seabed
The Kyarra was originally built as a luxury passenger cruiser on the Clyde. She was fitted out in some style and run by an Australian company for both passengers and cargo from her launch in 1903.In 1914 she was requisitioned by the British government and converted for use as a hospital ship.
On 26th May 1918 just months after she had been released from government control she was sailing along the south coast towards Plymouth when disaster struck. She was hit amidships on the port side by a torpedo released from the German submarine UB-57 under the command of Oberleutnat Lohs. The captain of the Kyarra, Captain Donovan, was in no position to evasive action and the ship sank in 20 minutes with the loss of six lives.
She lies at the point she was stuck and is now a popular and fascinating wreck. Over the years she has given up many goodies for those that would treasure hunt including quite a few brass fittings. Her holds contained perfume and vinegar bottles and to this day new discoveries are still being made as the sea bed is disturbed by tide and weather conditions. Gold watches and other trinkets have also been recovered and several artifacts can be found that can be seen on display in Divers Down on the pier at Swanage.
The wreck is typically alive with sea life including zebra gobies and dogfish. It is quite usual to see fairly large lobsters and congers deep inside the main wreck.
Location: 50°34.90N; 01°56.59W (Swanage)
Description: 6953 ton twin masted schooner-rigged steamer
Length: 126 metres
Depth: 18 metres to top of wreck, 30 metres to seabed
The Kyarra was originally built as a luxury passenger cruiser on the Clyde. She was fitted out in some style and run by an Australian company for both passengers and cargo from her launch in 1903.In 1914 she was requisitioned by the British government and converted for use as a hospital ship.
On 26th May 1918 just months after she had been released from government control she was sailing along the south coast towards Plymouth when disaster struck. She was hit amidships on the port side by a torpedo released from the German submarine UB-57 under the command of Oberleutnat Lohs. The captain of the Kyarra, Captain Donovan, was in no position to evasive action and the ship sank in 20 minutes with the loss of six lives.
She lies at the point she was stuck and is now a popular and fascinating wreck. Over the years she has given up many goodies for those that would treasure hunt including quite a few brass fittings. Her holds contained perfume and vinegar bottles and to this day new discoveries are still being made as the sea bed is disturbed by tide and weather conditions. Gold watches and other trinkets have also been recovered and several artifacts can be found that can be seen on display in Divers Down on the pier at Swanage.
The wreck is typically alive with sea life including zebra gobies and dogfish. It is quite usual to see fairly large lobsters and congers deep inside the main wreck.
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