Shark Bay has a rich maritime history. As the most westerly point of Australia, part of our story involves the loss of many ships that have traveled along our treacherous coastline. The following are just a few of the intriguing tales of our shipwreck coast.
HMAS Sydney II
The German ship HSK Kormoran had disguised themselves as a Dutch merchant in order to travel north along the West Australian coastline. At dusk on the 19th November 1941, the HMAS Sydney II approached the Kormoran to investigate the unknown vessel. As the Sydney tried to contact the Kormoran they continued their deception by replying with incorrect signals.
As the Sydney drew within 1000m of the vessel, the crew of the Kormoran were quietly preparing for battle. No longer able to maintain their disguise the Kormoran attacked. Caught by surprise the Sydney suffered several crippling blows. Their bridge was destroyed and with it, the ability to control the ship and its armoury.
The Sydney drifted toward the coast, broken and defeated. What happened to the Sydney and its crew remained a mystery for 66 years until the final resting place of the ship and its crew was found in 2008.
The final resting place of the Sydney is actually 12 nautical miles off Steep Point, making the Shark Bay coastline the closest location to the wreck. A memorial stands outside the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre that pays tribute to all 645 crew on board. Each of the crew member’s names are listed, overlayed on an image of the ship.
For more information on HMAS Sydney (II) please visit the Western Australian Museum's website.
Fire on the Water Exhibition & Film
The Shark Bay Discovery & Visitor Centre is home to Fire on the Water. The 15 minute 3D film and accompanying exhibit tells the story of the battle between HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran, tracing the events of this World War II Naval battle 200 kilometres off the coast of Shark Bay.
Astonishing deep-sea 3D imagery from the 2015 expeditions to the wreck sites, under taken by WA Museum, Curtin University and DOF Subsea have been used to create an interpretative timeline of the battle and to offer insights into what happened when the ships met off Shark Bay 77 years ago.
The exhibit is permanent, free and screens every half hour during the Shark Bay Discovery and Visitors Centre’s opening hours.
In collaboration with the West Australian Museum, ‘Fire on the Water’ is part two of a historical maritime trail which begins with ‘From Great Depths’ at the Museum of Geraldton, commemorating this significant Australian Naval disaster.
The Zuytdorp
With a hold full of treasure The Zuytdorp, a Dutch East India Company merchant ship smashed against Shark Bay’s coastal cliffs in June 1712. Due to many cases of scurvy, the Zuytdorp left the ‘Wagon Track’ a well know and safe shipping route to Batavia (Jakarta, Indonesia). Aboard the Zuytdorp were about 200 passengers and crew and a rich cargo, including 248,000 silver coins.
The precise circumstances of the wreck remain a mystery because no survivors reached Batavia to tell the tale. Some did live for a time in Shark Bay, however, where they were helped by local Aboriginal people. This contact with Europeans was probably the first ever made by Australia’s indigenous people.
Timbers, guns, anchors and a carpet of silver coins have been found strewn across the sea floor. In 1986 divers from the Western Australian Maritime Museum raised artefacts from the Zuytdorp. You will find some of these artefacts on display within the Discovery Centre.
The Gudrun
The Gudrun was one of the largest wooden vessels to ever visit the WA Coast. On August 4th 1901 the ship left Bunbury for Falmouth, England with 3000 tonnes of timber on board. Shortly into her journey the ship started to leak and was
After an investigation, the ship’s carpenter, Azel Rawd, confessed. He had drilled a hole through her hull in an attempt to sink her. Locked in leg irons, the carpenter and the ship continued the journey north. forced to return to Fremantle for repairs.
Days later the ship started to leak again and Captain Griff decided to head for the nearest safe haven, Shark Bay. The Captain deliberately beached the ship on some shallow sandy flats with the hope that it could be repaired.
On 14th November, a storm smashed the ship’s rudder. Several attempts were made to re-float the ship but it was eventually abandoned on 20th December 1901.
You can view the Gudrun anchor which was salvaged from the vessel and is now currently situated on the Denham foreshore. The Gudrun figurehead now stands proudly on display within the Discovery Centre.
Nor 6
Prawn trawler, the Nor 6 was on her maiden voyage to Carnarvon, skippered by Jack Drinan with three crew. At 5.20am on the 25th April 1963, the Skipper who was asleep on the Wheelhouse bunk while crew member Ron Poole, was at the helm, woke as the boat hit the cliffs.
As Jack struggled to get clear from the propellers and the cliffs he caught sight of the boats icebox. This very icebox would serve as his life boat for the next 10 days.
Living on the contents of the icebox and at the mercy of the currents Jack drifted out to sea. Jack survived on the provisions in the esky. As Jack drifted in and out to sea, he had to make a desperate decision. Using a makeshift raft he paddled for land. Presumed dead, Jack was reunited with his family 14 days after his boat sank.
An incredible tale of survival is commemorated with a monument to the Nor 6 located just south of Steep Point. If you have the time it’s definitely worth the stop to read the amazing story on the monument plaque.