Ghostly hull of SS Dicky uncovered at Caloundra beach

Cut up in 2015, the wreck of the SS Dicky has once again emerged on the Sunshine Coast in the wake of Cyclone Oma - and locals say it is now more dangerous than ever.

The ghostlike remains of the SS Dicky lie just below the surface at Caloundra. Picture: Lachie Millard

THE ghostly wreck of the SS Dicky poses a hull of a risk after being stirred from its sandy tomb at Caloundra in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Oma.

The ill-fated steamer, which ran aground in 1893, was a drawcard for photographers and visitors to its namesake Dicky Beach for decades before much of it was controversially cut up and removed in 2015 due to public safety concerns.

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

Wreck of SS Dicky on Dicky Beach to be removed due to danger

Members of the local surf club say the latest emergence, caused by recent heavy weather, poses an even greater danger as the jagged hull lurks just below the surface close to shore.

Dicky Beach Life Member and champion surfboat sweep Rob Flood trains crews most mornings and keeps a close eye out for the wreck.

“It has made an amazing return,” Mr Flood said. “One day it wasn’t there and the next it was … it’s more dangerous than before as it’s just below the surface and many people would not know it’s there. It could rip our boat apart and also poses a great hazard for swimmers and surfers.”

The upper portions of the coastal trader were removed by Sunshine Coast Council after it was deemed an unacceptable risk.

A Department of Environment and Heritage Protection report concluded it had reached a “catastrophic level of deterioration”. 

A spokeswoman said the council was aware the wreck had become exposed.

“Council officers have assessed the wreck and liaised with lifeguards,” she said.

“In keeping with statutory heritage requirements … council is developing permanent signage to identify the location.”

The wreck of SS Dicky was a drawcard for tourists for decades. File picture