SEVERANCE (1998)
Lady Elliot Island, Queensland
Two-masted yacht
WARNING: Wrecks should not be penetrated without proper training & equipment!
NOTE: All wrecks and related artifacts older than 75 years in Australian waters are protected by the Australian Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. Nothing can be taken!
INFORMATION
Over the years, Lady Elliot Island’s fringing coral reef was been the downfall of many vessels.
Severance, the only diveable wreck near the island, sank west of the island during a tropical storm in 1998.
She now lays on her keel in 21 metres (60’) on sand with much of her rigging still in place including remnants of her sails.
Although only 16 metres (52‘) long, she now supports a growing array of marine life including corals and diverse fish life.
Resident fish include pipefish, sweetlips, moray eels, tasselled wobbegongs, cobia, coral trout, lionfish and many others.
The wreck also attracts large schools of pelagic fish such as trevally, Queensland groper, eagle rays, turtles and graceful manta rays.
The Blowhole at Lady Elliot is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to the Lady Elliot Dive Team.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Open Water
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (5 minutes)
Depth:
18 – 21 metres (60-70’)
Visibility:
10 – 30 metres (30-100’)
Water temperature:
23 – 26°C (73-79°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Blowhole, Hiro Cave, Māori Wrasse Bommie, Coral Gardens, Lighthouse Bommie and more.
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
LADY ELLIOT ISLAND ECO RESORT
Southern Great Barrier Reef
Queensland
+61 (7) 5536 3644
reservations@ladyelliot.com.au
www.ladyelliot.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: 10% off direct bookings for accommodation & flights
To redeem: Email vmullins@ladyelliot.com.au & quote 50 Great Dives
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Brisbane
Nearest Regional City:
Bundaberg
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Brisbane
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
From Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Brisbane or Coolangatta to Lady Elliot Island
Ferry:
No
