HOBBY diver and exploration enthusiast Carl Von Stanke is endeavouring to add another shipwreck to his list of discoveries after recently relocating what he believes is the site of the Edith Haviland.
During the summer months, Mr Von Stanke plans to find the ship which went missing near Carpenter Rocks in 1877 with the loss of five lives.
Searching for shipwrecks in his spare time, Mr Von Stanke’s adventurous lifestyle started in 2011, when he helped identify a well-known wreck with Flinders University, located off the beach at Port MacDonnell.
Soon after in 2015, the 1940s trading vessel Hawthorn was recognised by Mr Von Stanke when he discovered his relative Fred Von Stanke had purchased the ship, infamously stating it was “too big” for Bucks Bay.
While completing Year 12, Mr Von Stanke completed his research project based on how to locate and identify shipwrecks, setting out a practical activity on how to find the Iron Age, wrecked in 1855.
“I had success in relocating it, with the help of some local fishermen, 160 years after it was wrecked,” he said.
Most recently, Mr Von Stanke discovered the Flying Cloud last year, which was wrecked in 1870.
“What I enjoy about the discovery of shipwrecks is no one else has seen it since it was lost, it comes back to exploring and I just enjoy the thrill of it,” Mr Von Stanke said.
“Diving in South Australia has many perks, letting me truly appreciate what we have on offer, including the great beaches and the big crayfish.
“I also love the crystal-clear waters of both Ewens Ponds and Piccaninnie Ponds, if I am not in the ocean I will div the ponds,” he said.
Mr Von Stanke is appealing to the public to contact him if anyone has stories regarding shipwrecks within the Limestone Coast.
