The loss of the 429 ton
collier Undola is still shrouded in
mystery. The recently overhauled, seaworthy
vessel was lost off Garie Beach, Royal
National Park south of Sydney on 20 December
1918. The vessel was on a voyage to Sydney
with a cargo of coal. None of the eleven
crew survived.
Two theories have been suggested for the
loss. The first is that the Undola
was swamped by a rising sea. The ship's
hatches were evidently not covered at the
time of departure from Bellambi. The second
theory is that the ship struck a drifting
mine from the German raider Wolffe. No
conclusion on either theory has yet been
established.
The remains of the Undola lie in
about 45 metres of water with the bow facing
north. The ship's compound steam engine,
boiler and rudder post and quadrant among
the main features on the site. From:
Maritime Heritage Online Site
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