Aarhus Historic Shipwreck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Builder | Hamburg |
| Launched | 1875 |
| Fate | Sank on 24 February 1894 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | barque |
| Tons burthen | 640 |
| Length | 170 feet (52 m) |
The Aarhus Historic Shipwreck is an important underwater site in Australia. It holds the remains of a sailing ship called the Aarhus. This ship sank a long time ago, becoming a part of history under the sea.
Contents
The Story of the Aarhus
The Aarhus was a large sailing ship. It was built in 1875 in Hamburg, Germany. This ship was a type of sailing vessel called a barque. A barque has at least three masts. Two of its masts have square sails. The last mast has sails that run front to back. The Aarhus was about 170 feet (52 meters) long. It weighed 640 tonnes.
The Shipwreck Event
On February 24, 1894, the Aarhus was on a journey. It was carrying different goods, including kerosene. The ship was sailing from New York to Brisbane, Australia.
During its trip, the Aarhus hit a hidden danger. This danger was a place called Smith's Rock. Smith's Rock is about 4 kilometers (2 nautical miles) northeast of Cape Moreton. After hitting the rock, the Aarhus sank into the ocean.
Protecting the Shipwreck
Today, the remains of the Aarhus rest upright on the seabed. They are about 20 meters (65 feet) deep. Over time, much of the ship has broken down. Now, you can mostly see its metal plates and ribs sticking out of the sand.
Why the Wreck is Protected
The Aarhus shipwreck is a protected site. It was first protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. This law created a special protected zone. This zone extends 200 meters (656 feet) around the wreck.
In 2019, a new law replaced the old one. This new law is the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018. Both laws help protect old shipwrecks. They make sure these historical sites are not disturbed.
Visiting the Wreck Site
Because the site is protected, you cannot disturb it. Divers who want to visit the wreck need special permission. They must apply to the Department of the Environment and Science in Queensland. This rule helps keep the shipwreck safe for future generations.
Exploring the Underwater Site
The Aarhus shipwreck is a fascinating place to explore. It is home to many interesting sea creatures. You might see small and large batfish. They often gather at cleaning stations. These are spots where smaller fish clean parasites off bigger fish.
Unique Features and Marine Life
One interesting part of the wreck looks like a large mast. This object is actually the ship's bowsprit. A bowsprit is a pole that extends from the front of a sailing ship. It helps hold the sails.
Divers have reported seeing different sharks here. A cat shark is said to live near the bowsprit. A large wobbegong shark might be found under a scoured-out section of the wreck. The water at the site can be very clear. However, strong currents can make it hard to see the entire wreck in one dive.
See also
