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16/11/2004: "YONGALA bell discovery ...........the proudest diver in Australia"

Lost in the sea for for than 70 years, it took the experience of Wally Gibbins to locate the once barnacle-encrusted SS Yongala bell from the maze of wreckage he and Ben Cropp were exploring and filming in 1982. Ten years ago Wally was offered $10,000 for the bell by collector AJ (Tony) Flook of Sydney but was refused.

The bell was the most significant discovery from this stunning shipwreck inshore from the Great Barrier Reef. For the following years it was displayed in Wally's former museum near Coffs Harbour, NSW until he "donated it on loan" to Townsville Maritime Museum. Qld.

Previous explorers to the wreck had missed finding the bell, the most sought-after of all ship relics. It had broken away and fallen onto the sandy sea floor, completely covered with living shells. Wally had suspicions the clump of marine material may contain what he hoped was the bell, and he was correct.

This exclusive underwater shot of Wally Gibbins and his discovery was made after the bell was cleaned.