SS NORD (1915)
Eaglehawk, Tasmania
Cargo steamer
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1900 Scotland as SS Maria Goriainova
Sank:
1915 hit submerged pinnacle
Length:
82 metres (269’)
Beam:
13 metres (42’)
Displacement:
1,843 tons
Speed:
Unknown
Crew:
42
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
Originally named SS Maria Goriainova, the Nord was built in Scotland for a Russian shipping company and renamed in 1903 when purchased by a Swedish company.
On a voyage from Melbourne to Hobart carrying 1,200 cases of benzine, she stuck the uncharted Needle Rock in heavy weather and sank while the captain was trying to save his ship when heading for safety.
Even though the superstructure has collapsed, the hull is still quite intact and relatively upright with the bow on sand, and the stern slightly shallower on rocks.
The large three cylinder triple expansion steam engine and boilers are readily identifiable near the stern, as are the propellor and rudder.
Artifacts can still be found but nothing can be taken because the wreck is protected under the Commonwealth Historic Wrecks Act 1976.
Bright yellow zoanthids cover the wreck and a torch is essential to reveal their brilliant colour.
Beautiful sea whips and sponges can be found on the sand around the wreck and fish life is prolific.
Special thanks to Aaron from Go Dive Tasmania
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Deep Diver
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (30 minutes)
Depth:
35 – 42 metres (110-140’)
Visibility:
8 – 30 metres(25-100’)
Water temperature:
12 – 18°C (54-64°F)
Seasonal:
No, but October to June best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Giant Kelp Forest, Troy D, Sister Rocks, Hippolyte Rock Seals and Port Arthur.
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
EAGLEHAWK DIVE CENTRE
178 Pirates Bay Drive
Eaglehawk Neck TAS 7179
+61 (3) 6250 3566
info@eaglehawkdive.com.au
www.eaglehawkdive.com.au
GO DIVE TASMANIA
67 Argyle Street
Hobart TAS 7000
+61 (3) 6231 9749
info@godivetassie.com.au
www.godivetas.com.au
OTHER SERVICES
Need somewhere to eat, drink or stay?
LUFRA HOTEL
380 Pirates Bay Road
Eaglehawk Neck TAS 7179
+ 61 (3) 6250 3262
reception@lufrahotel.com
www.lufrahotel.com
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Tasmania
Nearest City:
Hobart
Nearest Regional City:
Not applicable
Nearest Town:
Eaglehawk Neck
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Melbourne
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Hobart/Launceston
Road:
Hobart to Eaglehawk Neck:
Just over 1 hour (76 km/47 mi) via A9
Launceston to Eaglehawk Neck:
Just under 3 hours (235 km/145 mi) via National Highway 1/A3/A9
Bus:
From Hobart or Launceston
Train:
Not available
Ferry:
Geelong, Victoria to Devonport, Tasmania (Spirit of Tasmania)
