SS Pericles, Steamship wreck near Cape Leeuwin, Australia

SS Pericles is a steel passenger and refrigerated cargo steamship that sank bow-first on 31 March 1910 after striking an uncharted rock about 6.5 km southeast of Cape Leeuwin. The wreck lies at 34 metres depth within sight of the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, and strong currents make it hard for divers to reach. Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, she was 152.6 metres long with two propellers and four masts.

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.

The wreck was not found until the 1950s, when divers located it at a depth of 34 metres within sight of the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. Strong currents make access difficult, but teams including the Pericles Research Group have explored the hull.