QGS Llewellyn
Image Courtesy of John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Details
Year Built: 1884
Built: Seacombe (UK)
Description: The Q.G.S. Llewellyn was a 160 ton Queensland government steamer built in 1884 by Messrs. Jack & Co. She was used in support of the pilot and lighthouse services from 1885 until her loss on 19th July 1919.
Length: 112 feet (34.1 meters)
Breadth: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
Depth: 9.2 feet (2.8 meters)
Service record: 1885-1903 stationed Maryborough (use for maintenance of the pilot service)
1904-1914 stationed at Moreton Bay, used as a pilot vessel
1915-1919 stationed Rockhampton, used for maintenance of pilot and lighthouses services
Location of Shipwreck: Off St Bees island
History
Due to the maritime disputes and strike action along much of the waterfront after the First World War many regional areas, that were dependant on regular sea trade, were cut off. The government employed their pilot steamers to carry essential supplies to affected coastal towns.
On 16th July 1919, the Q.G.S. Llewellyn departed Rockhampton for Bowen with twelve crew and four passengers on board. She made stops at Sea Hill and Cape Capricorn lighthouse, where she discharged some cargo and two passengers. The Q.G.S. Llewellyn was last seen departing Cape Capricorn on 17th July 1919 at 8:45 pm. She never arrived at Bowen. After an extensive search, where wreckage was found around St. Bees Island, the Q.G.S. Llewellyn, her twelve crew, and two passengers were given up as lost.
On 8th September 1998, the Llewellyn was declared an historic shipwreck under section 7 of the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. A 500 metre prohibited access zone was established around the wreck. Access is by permit only. Divers are reminded that the following people lost their lives as a result of the Llewellyn’s loss
Location: The location of the shipwreck is 35 km east of Mackay between St. Bees Island and Bailey's Islet. The vessel lies at a depth of 32-35 metres on a sand/silt substrate. The vessel is intact except for its' funnel, wooden decks, and some superstructure. The vessel orientation is northwest-southeast with the bow pointing southeast. The shipwreck is heavily coral encrusted in some areas and has been colonised by a representative example of local fish species. A trawl net with cables is also present on the starboard aft quarter of the vessel.
Latitude: 21° 00.495’ S Longitude: 149° 30.382’ E
Dive the QGS Llewellyn
The following information is based on personal experience. Always check with authorities about local conditions before diving.
Diving Accessibility Rating: Difficult
Diving Highlight Unusual artificial reef :
Best Diving Season: Winter months
Max depth: 32 -35 meters
Getting There: From Ayr, Mackay, Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach
Permits
An area with a radius of 500 meters, centred at the intersection of latitude 21° 00.495’ S and longitude 149° 30.382’ E is declared a protected zone under Section 7 of the Commonwealth's Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 [external link, opens in new window]. Permits are required to enter this zone.
Download a diving permit application form [new window 113 KB 
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