Ship History
Built by the Pacific Islands S.B. Co Ltd in Hong Kong during 1958. Powered by two eight cylinder 212kw Gardner
diesel engines through twin props. Used as a ferry and general cargo vessel
for the High Commissioner for the British Solomon Islands Protectorate (BSIP) and used as an inter-island freighter in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, Gilbert and Ellice Islands. In
the early 1960s ownership was transferred to the Western Pacific High Commission based at Honiora. Presumably this was the same organization with a new name.
During 1966 to 1971 the
Coral Queen was unregistered and in the latter year
registered as being owned by Seaworm Pty Ltd of
the United Kingdom. For the next 22 years the vessel remained
in the same ownership. By 1993-94 she was no
longer registered.
Finally, this vessel went to Papua New Guinea. Sunk off the north coast of New Guinea near Jais Aben Resort north of Madang.
Shipwreck
This shipwreck is a popular dive site for day or night dives. The wreck is encrusted with soft corals and frequented by fish life includding 100mm flashlight fish (Anomalops kataoprton).
The forecastle has two entrances,
with quite a few cabins. You can also go through the starboard doorway and drop
down into the forward hold. From here you can swim through the two holds and into
the engine room. There are one or two exits to the upper deck from here and a
maze of corridors and cabins. Despite this, there is no real risk in exploring
the stern section. You can exit back onto the deck or right out through the stern.
From the stern, you can drop over the edge and see the twin props or the port side rudder. Ther eis none on the starboard side.
Contribute
Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
Last Updated
September 26, 2021
|
