Meet the site
The Rufus King was an American Liberty ship, one of the mass-produced cargo vessels of the Second World War. On 7 July 1942, inbound to Brisbane from Los Angeles with military equipment including nine Mitchell bombers, aviation fuel and medical supplies, she ran aground on the Amity Bar in South Passage, between Moreton and North Stradbroke islands, and broke in two. The forward section was refloated and later used as a lighter, but the stern remained on the bar, where it is still visible at low water and remains a hazard to navigation. marinelife.org.au notes that the wreck is regularly visited by spearfishers and makes a shallow dive in good weather. The broken steel provides structure in an otherwise sandy, high-energy environment, so it concentrates fish: expect schools of baitfish, trevally, mulloway, bream and snapper around the hull, with rays and wobbegongs on the sand and the occasional turtle. The appeal is historical as much as biological – this is a tangible reminder of Brisbane's role as a major Allied base in the Pacific war. The difficulty is the location. South Passage has a fearsome reputation among boaters, with breaking swell, shifting sandbanks and strong tidal flows, and the wreck can only be dived in rare calm conditions at slack water. It is therefore not suitable for inexperienced divers or boat handlers. Those who do dive it should keep a person on the boat, fly a dive flag and plan to leave before the tide turns. Check the latest bar conditions with Coast Guard before heading out.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Rufus King Wreck is recorded as Wreck in North Stradbroke Island. The listed access is 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
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 Rufus King 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 Rufus King 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
Baitfish schools, trevally, mulloway, bream, snapper, rays, wobbegongs, turtles (occasional)
Location
Stern section of a Liberty ship wrecked in 1942 on the Amity/South Passage Bar between Moreton and North Stradbroke islands, partly visible at low water.
Facilities nearby
Amity Point boat ramp, small shops and campground; Dunwich ferry terminal.
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.