One of the more recent wrecks in Port Phillip Bay is the HMAS Goorangai. She was originally a fishing trawler, but was commissioned by the federal government at the outbreak of WW2 and was used for minesweeping exercises around Bass Strait.
The Goorangai collided with the Duntroon on the night of 20th November 1940, while crossing from Queenscliff to Portsea without lights. The Goorangai's crew of 24 all lost there lives. Only 6 bodies were recovered and were buried in several Cemeteries around Melbourne, of the 6 there was only one who was not identified.
The sinking occurred in the South Channel, and because the Goorangai constituted a hazard to navigation the ship was blasted in 1941. The Goorangai's sinking is one of Victoria's greatest maritime disasters. A monument has been erected at Queenscliff those who died in this tragic event.
The Goorangai lies in 15m of water in the South Channel, on a sandy bottom. She is now host to a myriad of plant and marine life. The wreckage is scattered and provides an excellent dive for the photographer. Many divers begin their wreck diving careers on the Goorangai.
Being in the shipping channel special permission is required to dive on the Goorangai. The dive site is affected by tidal currents, and can only be dived at slack water.
Due to the tidal currents, dive time is limited to slack water times, which rarely exceeds 30 minutes.
The Goorangai is a designated war grave, and should be treated as such. The remains of the 24 crewmembers were never recovered. Divers are urged to respect any bones found on the wreck, and to leave them in place.