The Yongala is surrounded by mystery as to how it surrended to the sea and we will never know exactly what happened but research indicates the vessel was steaming and the fact that no life rafts or life saving equipment were found indicated the fate of the Yongala was sudden and fatal.

Here are some theories and observations made from experienced coastal Captains familiar with the area around Cape Bowling Green:

1. In continuing towards Townsville and safe haven, heading into monumental seas, floundered by the bow, after taking water through the forward hatch and sunk

2. The Yongala decided to run with the weather, broached because of her narrow beam and lack of ballast and capsized

3. Any manoeuvre by the Yongala away from the bow quarter resulting in a beam on situation in these conditions would heighten the risk of a capsize.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is known for numerous ship wrecks but as far as wreck dives go, the S.S. Yongala is considered to be among the top 5 in the world. The 110 metre 3,663 ton steel and timber steamship sank in 1911 during a cyclone taking the lives of all 121 passengers. The wreck remained undiscovered for more than half a century creating one of Australia’s most intriguing maritime mysteries.

The wreck lies in the middle of a flat, sandy shipping channel in about 30m of water within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The hull and deck are completely intact, great condition for a ship wreck which sank so long ago. You are able to see the rudder, the aft and forward masts, engine and steam rooms, toilets, port-holes and most of the name, Yongala.

Because of the historical significance the Yongala Wreck is totally protected by the Historic Shipwreck Act. Divers are now prohibited from diving within the wreck as the air bubbles trapped inside would corrode the wreck. Also altering or removing artefacts is strictly prohibited. As a result, wreckage such as chairs, port holes, lights, bottles and human remains are still visible, providing for a fascinating dive.

The Yongala departed Melbourne on the 14 March 1911, with 72 passengers, including two passengers who were to remain on board after reaching Brisbane, intending to travel to Cairns. It would be Yongala's 99th voyage in Australian waters. The master was Captain William Knight aged 62, considered one of the company's 'most capable men', and had been in the service of the ASSCo for 14 years without mishap.

On the morning of 20 March Yongala arrived at Municipal Wharf in Brisbane. After the loading of passengers, gerneral cargo including a racehorse known as 'Moonshine', and a red Lincoln bull, Yongala was inspected and found to be 'in excellent trim'. Departure from Brisbane was delayed, but there was no hurry to reach their next destination which was to be Mackay. The following day Captain Gerrit Smith of the Cooma overtook Yongala and later commented that the Yongala had been steaming easily as it was not necessary to arrive at Mackay until the following day.

On the morning of 23 March 1911, Yongala steamed into Mackay Harbour to drop off and receive passengers and discharge 50 tons of cargo, leaving 617 tons in the lower hold. Yongala departed early in the afternoon by 2pm, carrying 49 passengers, 73 crew, making a total of 122 people and was enroute to Townsville, a distance of 208 miles.

No sooner had Yongala left, the signal station at Flat Top (Mackay) received a telegram informing of a cyclone warning between Townsville and Mackay. Although the first Australian shore wireless station capable of maintaining communication with ships had been established in Sydney in 1910, few ships carried wireless in 1911, including the Yongala. (Ironically, a wireless destined for installation in Yongala had recently been dispatched from the Marconi company in England.)

Approximately 5hrs later the Yongala made its way past the Dent Island lighthouse, where the lighthouse keeper observed the Yongala steam into worsening weather. It was the last sighting.

Further to the north winds were prevailing from the south east to the north west unhindered across 25 nautical miles of open water which would mean the Yongala would be hit with very dangerous cyclonic winds at right angles. The depth in this area is relatively shallow at 20 to 30 mtrs and combined with tidal run would heighten the wave peaks and troughs in gale force conditions. It is still unknown exactly what happened but the fact no life rafts were found indicate the loss of the Yongala was sudden and tragic.

There was little Concern over the late arrival of Yongala until three other ships which had sheltered from the storm finally arrived and the alarm was raised. As of March 26 1911 Yongala was posted as missing and The Premier for Queensland, the Hon. Digby Denham turned all the resources of the state over to the search, including the public service, the police force and shipping - which included seven search vessels.

Wreckage was found washed up from from Hinchinbrook Island to Bowen, but there was no sign of the vessel or of those on board. All hope had been abandoned by the following Wednesday after scores of vessels had scoured the coast and found no trace. The only body ever found was that of the racehorse Moonshine, washed up at the mouth of the Gordon Creek, not far from Ross Creek, Townsville.

The wreck of Yongala was positively identified in 1958, approximately 12 nautical miles east of Cape Bowling Green and 48 nautical miles south east of Townsville. It lies on its starboard side in 14-28 metres of water and at 109m long is the largest and most intact, historic shipwreck in Australian waters.