The SS Nemesis, which vanished in 1904, has been discovered off the coast of Wollongong, New South Wales

After more than a century of uncertainty, the SS Nemesis, a steamship that disappeared with 32 crew members on board during a voyage from Newcastle to Melbourne, has been located. The vessel, which went missing in 1904, was found by Subsea Professional Marine Services off the coast of Wollongong, New South Wales.

The discovery of the 73-metre iron-hulled ship provides closure to the mystery surrounding its disappearance. Following a storm that caused the vessel to veer off course, bodies and wreckage were found at Cronulla Beach, but the main wreckage was never located until now.

Specialized underwater imagery confirmed the wreck’s identity, with the ship found largely intact but showing signs of significant damage and deterioration. CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, conducted further investigations using advanced multibeam echo sounders and a specialized underwater drop camera system to map the wreck site and gather detailed imagery.

Dr Brad Duncan, Senior Maritime Archaeologist with Heritage NSW, highlighted the importance of the discovery, stating, “This discovery and confirmation of the wreck’s identity not only provides significant archaeological information about the ship and wrecking event but, more importantly, may offer some solace to the families and friends of those who perished onboard as it provides a location at which they can mourn their loved ones.”

The find serves as a reminder of the many shipwrecks that lie along the Australian coastline, with countless more yet to be discovered.