Meet the site
The Eidsvold is Christmas Island's only wreck dive and a genuine piece of Second World War history. The 4,184-ton Norwegian motor ship, built by Götaverken in Gothenburg in 1934 and 116.6 m long, was in Flying Fish Cove loading phosphate on 20 January 1942 when she was hit by a torpedo from the Japanese submarine I-159 and broke in two. Her 31 crew abandoned ship safely and were later taken off the island by HMS Durban. The wreck was towed towards Smith Point and was torpedoed again later that year by the US submarine Searaven. The attack was the opening of the Japanese campaign that ended with the occupation of the island in March 1942.
Eighty years of swell and salvage have reduced the ship to wreckage: what remains is best described as a field of pipes, plates, ribs and machinery scattered down the reef slope from about 5 m to 18 m, with her anchor and chain still clearly recognisable. There is no penetration – the appeal is the way the reef has absorbed the steel. Large, healthy hard corals grow over and among the debris, and the structure shelters schools of yellow goatfish, surgeonfish, black triggerfish and batfish, plus octopus, lionfish and moray eels. Extra Divers call it one of the most accessible wreck dives in Australia and rate it a beginner dive.
Because it is shallow, sheltered and a few minutes from the jetty, the Eidsvold is often used as a second dive, a relaxed photography dive or a night dive, when crustaceans, octopus and hunting fish make the wreckage especially lively. The shallowest remains can be seen by snorkellers. It suits divers of all levels, including those who want a wreck in their logbook without depth or penetration, and history enthusiasts, for whom it is a tangible link to Christmas Island's wartime story.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Eidsvold Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Christmas Island. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Eidsvold Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Eidsvold Wreck through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Yellow goatfish, surgeonfish, black triggerfish, batfish, octopus, lionfish, moray eels, hard corals, turtles; crustaceans at night
Location
Scattered remains of a Norwegian freighter torpedoed in Flying Fish Cove in 1942, lying on the reef slope near Smith Point on the western side of the cove.
Facilities nearby
Departs Flying Fish Cove jetty/ramp – car park, toilets, showers and picnic area at the cove.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
diveplanit.comextradivers.com.audivernet.comen.wikipedia.orgchristmas.net.aucuriouscampers.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.