The Kyarra was a 6,953 ton (7,065 t) steel cargo and passenger luxury liner, built in Scotland in 1903 for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company.
On 5 May 1918, Kyarra was sailing from Tilbury to Devonport to embark civilian passengers and take on full general cargo. However she was sunk by UB-57 near Swanage with the loss of six lives on 26 May 1918.
It was discovered in the late 1960s by a member of the Kingston and Elmbridge British Sub-Aqua Club, which later bought the wreck. The wreck, which lies one mile off Anvil Point (50° 34′ 54″ N, 1° 56′ 34″ W) at around 27 mtrs depth, remains popular with divers.
Diving the Wreck
This dive is for Advanced Open Water Divers and above.
This is a great little wreck to dive, close to the coast and in reasonable sheltered water. We leave from Swanage pier by boat and reach the dive site within 20 mins.
Once ready and all the checks are complete, we descend to around 25 mtrs. Dive time on the wreck depends on the individual, but usually lasts about 20 mins before assent.
Assent is via SMB. After a safety stop the boat will be waiting to collect us and we return to Swanage pier.
Its a great way to start exploring the delights of what the Dorset coast has to offer.
Suitable for divers that have PADI Advanced Open Water qualification and SMB Speciality.