The Torres Strait, located in Queensland, Australia, is home to a variety of shipwrecks that offer a glimpse into the region's rich maritime history. These wrecks serve as unique dive sites, attracting adventurous travelers who are eager to explore the underwater world. One notable shipwreck in the Torres Strait is the R.M.S. Quetta, which sank in 1890. The wreck is part of the Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database, showcasing the region's diverse underwater cultural heritage.
Another significant wreck in the area is the Yongala, considered one of the most intact historic shipwrecks in Australian waters. Ongoing research explores how this wreck became a marine oasis, and it is recognized as one of the top ten best wreck dives worldwide. The HMS Pandora is another iconic example of a shipwreck in the region. The oldest known shipwreck on the reef, HMS Pandora was the Royal Navy ship sent to hunt down the Bounty mutineers in 1791. After months of searching for mutineers in the south Pacific, Captain Edwards headed home via the Torres Strait, but the 24-gun frigate ran aground onto the reef.
The Torres Strait is also home to the wreck of the HMCS Mermaid, which wrecked on Flora Reef with no loss of life. Rediscovered in 2009, Mermaid is an example of an early 19th-century shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef. These shipwrecks, along with many others, provide a unique opportunity for travelers to explore the rich maritime history of the Torres Strait and experience the stunning underwater environments that these wrecks have become a part of.