SS Pericles, Steamship wreck near Cape Leeuwin, Australia
SS Pericles is a passenger steamship that rests on the seafloor off the coast of Western Australia. The wreck lies at approximately 35 meters depth, and its twin engines and structural sections remain visible underwater.
The ship was built in 1907 by Harland & Wolff in Belfast and operated passenger routes between Great Britain and Australia. In 1910 it struck an uncharted rock and sank, ending its service.
The ship served as a passenger vessel carrying travelers from different economic backgrounds, with first-class passengers enjoying better accommodations while third-class travelers occupied simpler quarters. This class separation was standard practice on ocean voyages of that era.
The wreck lies at a depth suitable for experienced divers, but it is protected by Australian federal law and cannot be freely visited. Information and possible access should be sought through local authorities or specialized diving operators.
During the 1910 evacuation, all passengers and crew members survived the sinking, which was remarkable for a vessel of this size. However, the ship's cat was reportedly the only living creature that was not rescued.
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