The exploration team from "Shipwreck Hunters Australia" has announced the significant discovery of two historical shipwrecks off the coast of Western Australia. The finds include the passenger steamship Rodondo, which sank in 1894, and the Norwegian merchant vessel Langstone, which met its end in 1902. These discoveries are set to be featured in the second season of "Shipwreck Hunters Australia," premiering on Disney+ on August 27, 2025.
The Rodondo, a 73-meter vessel, was on its inaugural voyage to Western Australia when it encountered disaster. Departing Adelaide on October 2, 1894, the ship, carrying passengers during the gold rush era, struck Pollock Reef near Salisbury Island due to a navigational error shortly before 2 a.m. on October 7. The incident tragically resulted in the loss of four passengers when lifeboats capsized amidst panic. Survivors, including two children, Jesse and Alex, managed to reach Salisbury Island and were rescued days later. Jesse later served as a nurse during the Spanish Influenza pandemic, and Alex fought at Gallipoli.
The Langstone, a 56-meter Norwegian-owned iron sailing barque, was laden with timber and bound for London when it encountered a severe gale shortly after departing Bunbury on February 8, 1902. The vessel struck Naturaliste Reef and sank within half an hour. Although all 13 crew members initially survived, 22-year-old seaman Andreas Larsen tragically died later from exhaustion. The Langstone has been found remarkably intact and upright on a sandy seabed.
These discoveries were made possible through advanced seabed surveying technology and extensive archival research, with the team collaborating closely with maritime archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum. Experts such as Dr. Ross Anderson and Dr. Deb Shefi provided crucial expertise, combining new evidence, historical records, and specialized diving techniques. Western Australia's coastline is renowned for its maritime history, with an estimated 1,600 shipwrecks, earning it the moniker "Shipwreck Coast." The Rodondo and Langstone wrecks are considered invaluable underwater time capsules, offering a tangible connection to the gold rush era and early 20th-century maritime history. The "Shipwreck Hunters Australia" team intends to preserve these sites in situ, allowing them to continue serving as historical markers and vital marine habitats.