Meet the site
The Katherine Sharer holds a special place in Tasmanian maritime and diving history. According to the Marine Life Network guide, she was the first major trading vessel constructed in Tasmania, built with teak beams resistant to shipworm, and she was destroyed by an explosion in Port Esperance on 6 June 1855. The wreck was also the site of Tasmania's first sport dive, in 1944, and of the state's first diving fatality, in 1858, during salvage work. Today the remains are dispersed across the bottom in about 15 m, with scattered cargo and timbers; the explosion's force is shown by wreckage found some distance away on the Lomas Point reef. The teak beams have survived remarkably well because of their resistance to shipworm, and they are encrusted with marine growth – sponges, ascidians and algae – that shelters fish and invertebrates. Leatherjackets, wrasse and small reef fish frequent the site. It is a historical dive rather than a structural one: divers come to trace the scattered remains and appreciate the story. As a wreck of 1855 it is protected under heritage law; nothing may be disturbed or removed, and any finds should be reported. Port Esperance is relatively sheltered, so the site can be dived when the exposed far-south coast is rough. Combine it with Lomas Point Reef nearby, where more debris from the explosion lies among the boulders. Divers with an interest in maritime archaeology should contact Heritage Tasmania for background before visiting. A torch helps to pick out the teak timbers and the growth on them.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Katherine Sharer Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Huon & Far South. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
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 Katherine Sharer 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 Katherine Sharer 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
Sponges, ascidians, algae on timbers, leatherjackets, wrasse, small reef fish
Location
Scattered remains of the Katherine Sharer, destroyed by an explosion on 6 June 1855, lying in about 15 m off the southern side of Port Esperance near Lomas Point.
Facilities nearby
Dover ramp, store and fuel; fills in Hobart or Kingston.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.