Meet the site
The Kiryo Maru I is Rottnest's most recent historic-era wreck and one of its hardest to dive. She was a 35.7 m, 200-ton Japanese steel tuna longliner. At about 3 am on 3 August 1984, heading for Fremantle, she lost propulsion and went hard aground on the reef shelf beside Cathedral Rocks at the West End. Salvage attempts failed in the Southern Ocean swell, and she was broken up where she lay.
The main part of the wreck lies under the breakers on the reef shelf and is effectively undiveable, but a scattered debris field extends into 2-9 m around Cathedral Rocks. Visibility here is typically 5-10 m because of the white water. The Rottnest Island Authority notes the wreck lies about 50 m offshore, and marinelife.org.au warns that the reefs at the entrance to this bay have claimed tuna boats.
It is really a curiosity for divers who have reached Cathedral Rocks on one of the two or three days a year when it is diveable. The surrounding West End reefs are part of the West End Demersal Sanctuary Zone, and Australian and New Zealand fur seals and sea lions are commonly seen around the rocks. Because the wreck is less than 75 years old it is not covered by historic shipwreck protection, but it is within the Rottnest Island Reserve. Anyone planning a West End trip should read the forecast for several days beforehand and have a sheltered alternative in mind, such as the Transit Reef wrecks or Roe Reef on the north-east side.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Kiryo Maru I Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Rottnest Island. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Kiryo Maru I 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 Kiryo Maru I 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
Buffalo bream, western king wrasse, sweep, old wife, herring cale, fur seals and sea lions around the rocks
Location
Debris field of a Japanese steel tuna longliner on the reef shelf beside Cathedral Rocks at the West End of Rottnest, about 50 m offshore.
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
divingwawrecks.comrottnestisland.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.