Diving in Carawa Wreck and Tijeretas Bay

Carawa Wreck: The shipwreck at Carawa has two versions of its story, each offering a different perspective.

The first account relates to a German transport ship called Caragua, measuring 100 meters in length, which met its demise in November 1918.

The second, more comprehensive version unveils a captivating history surrounding the ship. Originally known as the Croatian vessel Turul SS, it was constructed in 1907 and later seized in Sydney in August 1914. Renamed as Carawa SS, tragedy struck on March 21, 1920, when the ship wrecked on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands. It was on a journey from Port Arthur, Texas, to Brisbane, carrying a cargo of cased gasoline. This historic wreck presents divers with a unique opportunity to delve into the remnants of this ill-fated vessel and uncover its intriguing past.

A brief story of the wreck according to the National Library of Australia:

“S.S. CARAWA WRECK.

Story of Survivors.

SYDNEY Sunday – Some of the crew of the Commonwealth Government liner Carawa which was wrecked on a reef in the Galapagos group on March 21 and became a total loss reached Sydney on Saturday evening by the steamer Australrange. Their names are Bond, Lucas Roberts, Lewis, Ross, O’Brien, Mullen, Boreham McDonald, Fannigan, Beck, Whytt and Welch. Captain Hyde and a member named Gasper are returning to Australia by a liner calling at Panama. The Australmount, which is due here from Cuba shortly, has the following members of the crew on board: – Robinson, Gore, Cassidy, Lane, Eliston, Kelly, Morris, Bartholomew, and Ford. Mr James Mullen one of the returned men gives the following account:

The Carawa struck a reef about a mile from the shore. The rudder and stern post were torn away and the vessel became hard and fast We remained on her for four days, when the high tide floated her off the reef into deep water. There were no tugs at the island, and our position was becoming serious. It was then found that the vessel was leaking badly in the forehold, and it was decided to leave it and make for the shore. 

The Carawa sank in about 40ft of water. Her masts, funnel, and bridge could be seen above waiter. We made a tent out of awnings we brought from the ship, and subsisted on tinned meats and potatoes we had brought ashore with us. Our supply of food was very limited. Sleep was practically out of the question due to mosquitoes. 

There were about 500 Spanish convicts on the island who seemed to have been put there and not further troubled about. Belongings of mine valued at £90, were stolen from me. I am certain that the limejuice which we got from the ship and the wild oranges we gathered kept us in health. Not one of our men became ill. We were four weeks on the island before we were transhipped to the 100 ton schooner Manual Cobalt which had bullocks and pigs aboard. Our walking room was confined to about five yards, and we had no means whatever of washing ourselves. Our food consisted of stew and beans once a day only. 

We were aboard this schooner for 18 days. We at last reached Guayaquil, where we fared better than we had since the wreck. We then sailed to Colon by the steamer Quertmayle, sleeping on the deck with a blanket to cover us. On reaching Colon we lived at the Salvation Army Home till we were transferred to the Australrange.”

For more info check: Wrecksite Website, National Library of Australia – Page 1, and Page 2

Tijeretas Dive: Tijeretas Bay, also known as Muelle Tijeretas or Darwin Bay, holds its own secrets and allure. Dive into its crystal clear waters and witness the playful antics of the resident sea lions. As you explore the shallow areas, you may encounter green sea turtles gracefully chewing on algae-covered rocks. Tijeretas Bay offers a delightful dive location for divers of all levels, providing a mesmerizing glimpse into the marine life that inhabits this enchanting natural lagoon.