Meet the site
The William Pitt was a steam dredge that ended its working life as a breakwater in Canoe Bay, the small inlet on the north-west side of Fortescue Bay. It was launched in Bristol in 1904 as the Andre Reboucas, later worked on the construction of the Hobart Bridge and in Devonport, and was deliberately sunk across the mouth of Canoe Bay on 1 July 1953 to shelter the fishing boats that used the inlet. The hull is so shallow that parts of it break the surface at low tide, and it is best known as a snorkel site, though scuba divers enjoy a slow, shallow poke around it. The Marine Life Network guide describes a submerged dredge hopper in 2-4 m with anemones and the propeller still visible, and notes cormorants, trumpeter, rock cod and conger eels. Decades underwater have turned the steel into a reef: the plates are covered in weed, sponges and jewel anemones, fish shelter under the hull, and cormorants perch on the exposed structure. It is a photogenic site, especially with the rusting frames rising out of the calm water against the forested hills. Canoe Bay also has a history as a fish works that operated until the early 1970s, and remnants of the fishing industry can be seen ashore. The wreck is a pleasant excursion for campers at Fortescue Bay, combining a coastal walk with a snorkel, or a short kayak paddle for divers. It suits everyone from children with a mask and snorkel to photographers, and there is no current to contend with.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
William Pitt Wreck (Canoe Bay) is recorded as Wreck in Tasman Peninsula. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 William Pitt Wreck (Canoe Bay) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 William Pitt Wreck (Canoe Bay) 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
Jewel anemones, sponges, weed, bastard trumpeter, rock cod, conger eels, wrasse, leatherjackets, cormorants
Location
Scuttled dredge lying in shallow water at the mouth of Canoe Bay, a small inlet on the north-west side of Fortescue Bay.
Facilities nearby
Campground and toilets at Fortescue Bay; campsites at Canoe Bay (walk-in); no fills.
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
en.wikipedia.orgmarinelife.org.auparks.tas.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.