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SS City of Launceston

SS City of Launceston

Victoria, Australia

Depth
Depth Icon

22m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

3m - 8m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

SS City of Launceston

Victoria, Australia

SS City of Launceston
Depth
Depth Icon

22m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

3m - 8m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced


About SS City of Launceston

The City of Launceston was a Steamship built in 1853 by Blackwood and Gordon Glasgow for the Launceston and Melbourne Steam Navigation Co. Her overall length was 197.2ft,her beam was 24.2ft and her draught was 22.7ft giving her a displacement weight of 278 tons. Under the command of Captain Thom (the regular master, Captain Woods, was ill) she sank in Hobson's Bay, Port Phillip after being run down by SS Penola on the 19 November 1865.All the passengers and crew transferred to the Penola. Efforts to raise her failed. At the inquiry, the City of Launceston was held to blame. A protected zone exists around the wreck so diving is prohibited unless you have a permit. The site has been extensively surveyed and many relics can still be found to this day Location: Port Phillip Bay Depth: 18m to 22m Subject to shipping: No

SS City of Launceston Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Other, Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

22m

Visibility Range

3m 8m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 44%

O2

14% at 20m / 36%

O2
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Marine Life

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Location

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Dive Site Hazards

  • Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.

  • Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.

  • Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

  • Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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