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Diving The Illawarra: SS Bombo
The SS Bombo is the wreck of a 20th century coastal steamer that plied the waters between the Illawarra and Sydney, carrying mostly blue metals from Kiama. Built in 1930 in Leith in the United Kingdom, the Bombo commenced services in the Illawarra on 23 April that year. She served most of her life in the Illawarra waters, except for a period commencing 1941, when she worked as a auxillery minesweeper and later a stores carrier in the Australian Navy during WW2.Returning to merchant service in 1947 under the command of Captain Arthur Bell, she resumed her pre-war role, until the night of 22 February, 1949, when in large seas en route from Kiama to Sydney, she developed a list to port, and turned back to head for the safety of Port Kembla. Tragically she never made it, instead sinking off Toothbrush Island. Of a crew of 14, there were only 2 survivors, both of whom reached shore at beaches many miles north of the wrecksite. The ships dog is also supposed to have survived the sinking.
Discovered in 1975 by two fishermen, the Bombo is a popular dive site. Lying upside down in 31m, she has collapsed in the middle section, with safe penetration possible in the aft and stern sections, although one must be wary as with any wreck penetration, and proper training, equipment and experience is recommended before entering a wreck.
Large seas on 30 August 1996 have again changed the wreck, with part of the stern section’s superstructure being turned right side up, exposing the boiler and drive shaft, and giving us a new dive. Unfortunately, the propeller, previously one of the most distinctive features of the wreck has had one blade sheared off, giving testimony to the might of the ocean.
More large seas in April 1997 have again wreaked havoc. More of the hull plating has come away, and the shape of the boiler is even more prominent. I believe theres probably a couple more years left on the stern section (the blunt end) until we only have the boiler and a pile of metal. The boiler should, however, be around another hundred years.
The growth on the wreck can be incredible - big schools of fish are common, and the hull seems to be a breeding ground for nudibranchs, with literally hundreds to be found on any dive. Inside the bow end theres always a couple of stripey, schools of yellowtail, bullseye and the odd sargeant baker, as well as the occasional wobbegong shark. Be careful where you put your hands.