The discovery of an unidentified shipwreck on Bribie Island has sparked an investigation by the State Department of Environment and Heritage (DES).
As reported by Sunshine Coast News, Tracey Poole and Ken Baynton came across the remnants of a vessel laid bare by relentless pounding seas in recent months.
This was on the ocean side of the island about 100m south of the Lions Park, which sits opposite Military Jetty at Diamond Head.
SCN reached out to top maritime archeologist Cosmos Coroneos, who revealed the wreckage posed double the mystery with that part of Bribie a possible “flotsam trap”.
Ms Poole has lodged a “Notification of Discovery” with DES.
Many people may not know, but it is required by law to report a discovery, such as exposed metal fragments, along Queensland’s coast.
“We are excited there is so much interest in this find,” Ms Poole said.
“We had no idea such departments existed and are so happy this will now officially be looked into.”
A DES spokesperson said the Heritage Branch would attempt to access the site to investigate further. It has its own experienced shipwreck hunter in maritime archeologist, Celeste Jordan.
“On 31 May 2022, exposed metal fragments on Bribie Island were reported to the Department of Environment and Science following a news article (SCN),” the spokesperson said.
“A search of the Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database did not reveal any records of an historic shipwreck at this location, though there are five wrecks identified in the waters around the island.
Can you help solve the mystery of the Bribie wreck? Email news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
“Occasionally, sand erosion from king tides and storm activity can expose known shipwrecks along Queensland’s beaches.
“All archaeology is protected by the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. This includes shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks, and other submerged archaeological sites in any Queensland waterway.
“People are advised not to interfere with shipwrecks as they are highly vulnerable and can be easily damaged, and fines apply to people who attempt to disturb, or remove items from the location.”
The spokesperson said a survey of Queensland underwater cultural heritage sites was being undertaken to update official records in the Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database.
The department is seeking information about the location and condition of historic shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks in Queensland waters.
Anyone with information about known or possible wreck sites can call 13 74 68 and ask for an archaeologist in the Heritage Branch or email archaeology@des.qld.gov.au
An SCN reader, Charles, who was a former Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger, wrote in to say he remembered that in the early 1990s, there used to be the remains of an old steel fishing trawler about 5km south of that site.
“It would be exposed after big storms. You could see the old winch in the structure. This may have moved north over the past 30 years due to erosion,” he suggested.
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