The William Dawes was a US steel "Liberty" ship (Official Number 89056) built and registered in Portland, Oregon. The two-decked vessel had a tonnage of 7176 tons gross, a cruiser stern and length of 416 feet (126.8 metres). She was powered by a triple expansion engine. William Dawes was on US wartime convoy duty operating along the New South Wales south coast when she was struck by torpedo off Tathra by a Japanese I-class submarine (possibly I-11). Cargo included ammunition, jeeps, lorries, field ambulances and half tracks.
The incident occurred at 5.30 am on 22 July 1942, near Tathra Head. This followed the sinking of the vessel George S. Livanos near Jervis Bay (20 July 1942) and Coast Farmer nearby (21 July). William Dawes caught fire and took some time to sink with the survivors making shore at Merimbula. Five lives were lost in the action. The impact blew off the stern section. The next day, the steamer Allara was torpedoed near Newcastle but recovered.
Divers from the deep wreck diving The Sydney Project conducted the first ever dives to the site on 25 October 2004 using rebreathers to 135 metres. The site was located with the aid of local Bermagui commercial fishing operators and dive charter proprietor, Keith Appleby of Bermagui Fishing & Dive Charters.
The wreck site might retain evidence of War Dead and should be treated with respect and care.
Depth of site ~135metres, beyond recognised recreational diving limits.
Download NSW Heritage Office Information Sheet. (149kb PDF file)