SS ROYAL SHEPHERD (1890)
Sydney, New South Wales
Screw steamer
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1853, Paisley, England
Sank:
1890, collision with another vessel
Length:
42.6 metres (140’)
Beam:
6 metres (20’)
Displacement:
331 tons
Speed:
Unknown
Crew:
12
Passengers:
Nil
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
During her nearly forty-year career, Royal Shepherd worked as a passenger ship, general cargo transporter, cattle carrier, sewerage dumper and was a collier when she came to grief in a collision with Heskeith in 1890 on her final voyage.
The collision between the south bound Royal Shepherd and north bound Heskeith occurred about one kilometre (1,100 yd) off South Head. Royal Shepherd sank within minutes.
The twelve crew, including the captain, managed to safely jump onto the bow of the Heskeith which was later blamed for the accident.
In 1976, Royal Shepherd’s wreckage was discovered laying on sand in 27 metres (90’) of water.
The wreckage consists mainly of her boiler, engine, driveshaft, flywheel, and the propeller sticking out of the sand is a hightlight.
Although not abundant, marine life on the wreck includes schools of small fish such as bullseyes hovering over the wreckage, moray eels occupying the many holes and around the wreck there are cuttlefish, leather jackets, and flathead on the sand.
Special thanks to the Abyss Scuba Team
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (20-30 minutes)
Depth:
24 – 29 metres (80-90’)
Visibility:
10-25 metres (30-80’)
Water temperature:
17 – 23°C (63-73°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Long Reef, Magic Reef, Centurion & Dunkenfield
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
ABYSS SCUBA DIVING
278 Rocky Point Road
Ramsgate NSW 2217
+61 (2) 9583 9662
dive@abyss.com.au
www.abyss.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: One free air fill
To redeem: Visit store & quote 50 Great Dives
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
New South Wales
Nearest City:
Sydney
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Sydney
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Sydney
