A remote and challenging environment

The configuration of the three small reefs around the wreck, which is located approximately 75 metres east of "western reef".

Cyclonic conditions on site.

Although the wreck lies well inside the entrance, it is exposed in the east to swells from the Coral Sea generated by the prevailing easterly winds, especially between July and December.

Directly to the east, south-east and west, the wreck is surrounded by three small reefs that offer some protection against swells. The Pandora struck the larger, eastern reef. This is borne out by the discovery of a bronze rudder fitting and an iron swivel gun on the reef top. The distance between the east and west reefs is approximately 350 metres. These reefs also deflect the flow of currents across the site. The pattern of these currents has not yet been determined. However, divers working on the wreck have experienced their strength and unpredictability.

The Pandora wreck is very remote. The wreck site-in far northern waters of the Great Barrier Reef-is actually closer to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea than to Townsville or Cairns. Depending on weather and sea conditions, it takes nearly three days for an expedition vessel to get there from Townsville.

Three sand cays (more or less stable) represent the only "land" within a 10 mile radius. The closest terrestrial islands-the Sir Charles Hardy Islands-are approximately 60 miles to the south-west of Pandora Entrance.

Because the depths at the wreck range from 30 to 34 metres, conditions for underwater archaeological work are difficult. Divers can be hampered by powerful currents-which often emerge with very little warning-either along the sea floor or in mid water.

The Museum's last six expeditions were conducted during the months of January and February. Although this is cyclone season, the decision to go in these months was deliberate, as the likelihood was greatest of getting long periods-sometimes days on end-of calm weather.

Calm weather is always desirable for ease of operation, and was certainly preferable to the frequently blustery and choppy surface conditions experienced more or less daily by the expeditions during the 1980s, and caused by fresh south-easterly (trade) winds prevailing between July and December.

The 1996 expedition was interrupted for 36 hours as cyclone Denis passed approximately 100 miles to the south of Pandora Entrance. This was the longest disruption to diving operations due to weather between 1995 and 1999. Short disruptions to diving operations due to weather and sea conditions were, however, never completely predictable or avoidable.