The wreck of SS Dicky now a safety concern because of its state of deterioration

ARCHAEOLOGISTS, surveyors and council workers have begun excavating an historic wreck from the Sunshine Coast beach where it’s rested since 1893.

Archaeologists and council engineers work at low tide to raise the wreck of the SS Dicky.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS, surveyors and council workers have begun excavating the historic Dicky wreck in preparation for its removal from the beach that carries its name.

The SS Dicky, which ran aground in cyclonic conditions on the Sunshine Coast in 1893, has been a tourist favourite for generations.

However, tide and time have not been kind to the ill-fated steamer, now deemed a safety concern to swimmers because of its advanced state of deterioration.

The wreck is expected to be shifted in the next few months with a community taskforce keen to see it feature in a display on the foreshore.

Beachgoers watched yesterday as excavators were brought in to dig in and around the wreck.

Holes quickly filled with water during the dig, making the assessment all the harder.

Leading maritime and cultural heritage archaeologist Cosmos Coroneos is in charge of the recovery effort. News_Rich_Media: SS Dicky