K XI SUBMARINE (1946)
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Dutch submarine
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1924 Rotterdam, Netherlands
Sank:
1946 scuttled
Length:
66.7 metres (219’)
Beam:
6.15 metres (20’)
Displacement:
688 tons surface, 828 submerged
Speed:
17 knots surface, 8 knots submerged-
Crew:
31
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!
It was certainly a Happy New Year in 2025, when a new wreck was discovered off Rottnest Island!
The former HMLNS K XI class patrol submarine was the first of three built for the Royal Netherlands Navy in the early 1920’s. They were designed for patrols in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia).
The submarine was propelled by two diesel engines on the surface and two electric motors for underwater propulsion. She had a range of 6,500 kilometres (4,000 mi) at eight knots on the surface and only 46 kilometres (28 mi) underwater at the same speed.
K XI was armed with six torpedo tubes (four bow and two stern), a Bofors gun and a machine gun.
In 1942, an Australian vessel was sunk by the Japanese and the K XI rescued 13 survivors.
She was striped prior to her scuttling in 1946 and now lays almost upright, listing slightly to starboard, on sand in 40 metres (140‘) of water.
The dive site, although deep with a short bottom time, is easily navigated.
The hulk is covered in coral growth, home to numerous crayfish and swarming with schools of bullseyes.
Pelagic fish such as dhufish and snapper are also occasional visitors.
Special thanks to Lee from Perth Scuba
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Deep Diver
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (60 minutes)
Depth:
38 – 40 metres (125-140’)
Visibility:
10 – 30 metres (30-100’)
Water temperature:
18 – 24°C (64-75°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Stragglers Rock, North & South Molle, Ammo Jetty, Carnac Island Seals, Point Peron and Marmion Marine Reserve.
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
PERTH SCUBA
4/180 Bannister Road
Canning Vale WA 6155
+61 (8) 9455 4448
info@perthscuba.com
www.perthscuba.com
SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off gear hire or $30 off for a Blue Destiny double dive
To redeem: Email info@perthscuba.com & quote 50 Great Dives
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Western Australia
Nearest City:
Perth
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Perth
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Perth
