Meet the site
The SS Francis Preston Blair was an American Liberty ship of 7,196 tons (7,181 in some records) that was wrecked on the eastern edge of Saumarez Reef on 15 July 1945. The Coral Sea shipwreck register records that she was attempting to evade a Japanese submarine; Wikipedia notes that the wreck was later used as a target by the RAAF, and that an explosion hole in the starboard bow at the waterline has never been explained. Liberty ships were mass-produced cargo vessels of the Second World War, about 135 m long; her exact specifications are not given in the sources consulted.
For decades the hull stood on the reef as a landmark. The crew of the yacht Anui, who visited in 2024, report that much of the ship has now collapsed, with an extensive debris field visible while snorkelling. The wreck lies on the reef edge, so much of the wreckage is in shallow water, with the reef edge beyond.
Reef fish shelter among the plates and machinery, and the surrounding reef supports blue tangs, surgeonfish, giant clams, turtles and olive sea snakes. The shallow depth and extensive debris make it an interesting snorkel as well as a dive.
At more than 75 years old, the wreck is automatically protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018; nothing may be removed. Its position on the eastern (weather) edge of the reef means it is exposed to the south-east trades and swell, so it is dived only in calm conditions. Collapsed wreckage has sharp edges and may shift, and any remaining structure should not be entered. It suits experienced snorkellers and divers on self-sufficient vessels.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
SS Francis Preston Blair wreck (Saumarez Reef) is recorded as Wreck in Coral Sea. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
- 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 SS Francis Preston Blair wreck (Saumarez Reef) 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 SS Francis Preston Blair wreck (Saumarez Reef) 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
Reef fish sheltering in wreckage, blue tangs, surgeonfish, giant clams, turtles, olive sea snakes
Location
The collapsed remains of a 7,196-ton American Liberty ship wrecked on the eastern edge of Saumarez Reef in July 1945, with an extensive debris field.
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
sv-anui.comen.wikipedia.orgoceans1.customer.netspace.net.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
