SS Orizaba Shipwreck

The Waters off Rockingham are home to a myriad of marine life and submerged reefs, plus a number of picturesque historic shipwrecks.

The SS Orizaba was built in Barrow, England and was due to arrive in Fremantle in Febraury 1905. Heavy haze caused disorientation and the vessel grounded on Five Fathom Bank. All 160 passengers and crew, along with much of the cargo, were taken off the vessel safely.

The wreck is of historical significance as it was involved in the London to Albany mail transfer. The wreck lies in about 4 to 7 metres of water. The 3 boilers are the most imposing feature of the site, with crank shaft and conrods lying exposed on the reef top.

The boilers are home to numerous Western Rock Lobsters. In the darker holes you might find a stingray or wobbegong shark. Swim with Western Australian Dhu fish, schooling bulleyes, blue gropers and queen snapper over lumpy limestone covered in red sponges, blue ascidians and pink soft corals.