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Eliza Ramsden - Depth: 21 metres OW
The Eliza Ramsden was a three masted iron barque 45 metres in length built
in Clyde, Scotland in 1874. During the night of July 1875, she struck
Corsair Rock while leaving the Heads for Newcastle. In an attempt to return
to Melbourne, she sank in the South Channel where she sits upright on
her keel. Over the years the Ramsden has been blasted to minimize the
hazard she created to shipping, but despite all this, she still presents
an excellent dive. Her bow, in particular, coming up from 21to 14 metres
is the most popular section providing photographers with a wide array
of marine life.
SS
Coogee - Depth: 34 metres AOW
The Coogee was a bay steamer used in Port Phillip Bay until it was stripped
and scuttled in 1927 just outside the Port Phillip Heads. The wreck now
lies in 34metres of water and is abundant with marine life and still quite
intact.The top of the wreck is in about 26mtrs with the bow and stern
sections quite intact but the midsection with the exception of the boilers
is quite broken up.
J1
or New Deep Submarine - Depth: 38 metres Deep
Divers who were searching for the J4 with their echo sounder set on the
wrong scale discovered this Submarine shortly after the J4. Also known
as the "New Deep Sub" or the "Winged Sub", she sits
almost on her keel on the sandy bottom. Due to the fine sand in the area,
she is prone to silting. The J1 runs east-west, with her bow facing east.
She points toward the surface and divers can actually swim under this
section. Penetration is possible although very hazardous. Fine silt and
tight doorways add to the danger. Again, guide lines and good torches
are needed and twin independent or manifold scuba cylinders are highly
recommended for this
J4
or 26m Submarine - Depth: 26 metres AOW
This Submarine was discovered in 1984. The J4 lies on her keel running
north-south. Her bow section, which has broken away from the main body
contains four torpedo tubes, which can be easily seen by using a torch
and positioning yourself between the bow and the main body. Penetration
of the wreck is possible via several large openings in the hull. Such
penetration should not be taken lightly, as being shallower than the other
subs, this wreck is particularly susceptible to surge. However, the surge
prevents any silting, and under suitable conditions this makes for one
of Melbourne's top dives.
J5
or Intact Submarine - Depth: 36 metres Deep
This unbroken submarine sits on her keel and leans slightly on her starboard
side and runs east-west. Her bow faces east while her stern west. Penetration
is possible however the stern section and the bow, which contains the
torpedo tubes, is very tight and silting is a problem - reels and torches
are highly recommended. On the stern of the J5, divers can admire the
large rudder and drive shafts. Swimming through the rudder is easy. This
is one of the most photographed of the submarines due to the yellow Zoanthids
on the conning tower. To dive and or penetrate the J5, the proper certifications
are required to be shown, and the use of twin independent or manifold
scuba cylinders is highly recommended.
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