A magnificient collection of photos from the S.S Yongala - images by Simon Ormes The S.S. Yongala sank in a cyclone on the 23rd March 1911 and remained undiscovered for almost 50 years, not being positively identified until 1958. The wreck now 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. She sank just 12 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Bowling Green in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with the loss of all 122 passengers. It is not known exactly what happened although research indicates the vessel was steaming, the fact no life rafts were found indicate the loss of the Yongala was sudden and tragic. It has now become known as one of the world’s top wreck dives and certainly one of Australia’s best dive sites due to the prolific variety of marine life. Giant Queensland gropers hang beneath the stern while schools of trevally and cobia congregate around the depths of the wreck. Queenfish, barracuda, turtles, sea snakes, eagle rays and clown fish are just some of the other incredible life inhabiting the coral encrusted structure. A diver dissapearing behind one of the S.S Yongala's coral encrusted masts Juvenile Red Emperor A resident turtle feeding on the well established life on the wreck One of the resident turtles resting amongst the coral growth A brilliant red coral cod One of the numerous bait schools with divers in the distance One of the resident turtles cruising above the S.S Yongala One of the many sea snakes One of the many species of sizeable coral trout living on the wreck Diver entering a bait school above the S.S Yongala