I have revisited the wreck of the Santiago several times since writing The Rusting Wreck of the Santiago last November, mostly by kayak. My most recent visit, however, included a snorkel inside the wreck. More on this shortly. My latest visit led to a little more research on the vessel.
I discovered that the South Australian Archaeology Society (then as SUHR) did some work on the Santiago in 1978. This was reported in ‘Project: Santiago’ by Jeffery, W.F., Society for Underwater Historical Research Inc. Annual Report 1978, pages 8-9.
I also discovered that “Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard” by the Department for Environment and Heritage (2001) states “(Santiago) assisted … salvage of …. Willyama at Port Lincoln in 1909” even though the Willyama sank at Marion Bay in 1907.
I took a few photos both inside and the outside the wreck.
My buddy, Carl Charter also took some video footage. There were fish such as bream and blennies swimming inside the wreck, plus many feather worms. We both hope to be able to return for a closer look at the wreck soon. My research also continues and I expect to be able to report more shortly.
[…] writing Update of the Rusting Wreck of the Santiago recently, and after reading “Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard” again, I asked […]