Swanage ~ Hardboat Diving

Max Depth: 32m Ropes Off: 11:15hrs

Diving with: Divers Down, off "Spike" moored at Swanage Pier Date: Friday 29th March 2024 Cost: £40

The SS Kyarra was a 7,000 tonne Australian ocean going liner, built in 1903. She measured 126mtrs from bow to stern and 16mtrs across her beam.  She was carrying approximately 2,600 tones of general cargo, hospital supplies, post and medical staff who were enroute to collect over 1,000 wounded Australian wounded soldiers.  She was fitted with a 4.7in gun on her stern. She was sunk her on the 26 May 1918, by UB-57,  who torpedoed her Port side.  Six crew members were killed.

Due to the nature of her cargo many artefacts can still be found today, especially after storms – champagne and wine bottles, perfume bottles, silk yarns, champagne, silver purses, pocket watches and a variety of personal artifacts.

This can be a great dive, especially if you get the viz.