wreck

Log This Dive

CHANZI

The *Chanzi* isn’t your typical southwest wreck, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk way back in 1880, this steamship is practically a fossil on the seabed, settled deep at 49 meters. What you’re diving here isn’t a pristine, intact vessel; it’s a sprawling, broken-up debris field that tells a story of time and the sea’s relentless power. We find the best approach is to drop onto the most prominent pieces, then slowly fan out, exploring the scattered boilers, twisted plating, and the occasional glimpse of the ship’s structure peeking through the sand. It’s less about penetration, more about appreciating the sheer scale of the historical wreckage. Think nudibranchs crawling over century-old metal, conger eels peering from dark recesses, and jewel anemones adding bursts of colour to the monochrome steel. Visibility can be a real gamble down here, so we always pick our days carefully. Slack water is absolutely essential for a comfortable dive, and a good torch is non-negotiable – even on a bright day, 49 meters feels like twilight. This one is definitely for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a treasure hunt.