The Wreck Of The Centaur

Wrecked on 9 December 1874, the Centaur makes an interesting dive.

The sailing vessel struck the southernmost section of Marmion Reef, about three kilometres offshore from North Beach, while en route to Fremantle. The 30 metre long iron brig was transporting galena (lead ore) from Champion Bay (Geraldton), which was then a thriving mining area, via Fremantle to Melbourne. It was carrying 200 tonnes of galena when it struck the reef at 6.5 knots and become impaled on it. The nine crew and four passengers on board were able to scramble to safety, but five minutes after the lifeboats pulled away, the ship crashed over and largely disappeared from view. The Centaur’s remains lie scattered around the submerged reef, the weed-covered starboard ribs sticking out from its base.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au