Itata (1883) Explained

Itata was a three-masted iron barque built by R & J Evans, Liverpool in 1883. She was severely damaged by a fire in her hold at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, in 1906.[1] Her hulk was towed to Sydney and was scuttled in Saltpan Creek, Middle Harbour.

The location is -33.8151031, 151.2246810

Fate

While awaiting loading of one hold with coal alongside a wharf, she was severely damaged by fire at Newcastle, 12 January 1906 after another hold with a nitrate cargo caught fire. The resultant fire and explosions bowed and twisted her iron hull. She was towed to Sydney for use as a hulk, however was too badly damaged and was scuttled in Saltpan Creek, Middle Harbour.

Currently the Itata is often used as a training site for wreck diving dive courses.

References

-33.8152°N 164.481°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 13 January 1906. p.11. . Sydney Morning Herald . 13 January 1906 . 29 February 2012.