Shipwrecks you can discover with Google Earth, including the Titanic

While the RMS Titanic is renowned as one of the most famous shipwrecks, it remains accessible only to those with deep-sea submersibles or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). However, many other shipwrecks around the world are visible and accessible through Google Earth, providing a fascinating glimpse into their submerged histories. Here are 10 notable shipwrecks that you can explore using Google Earth, each with its own unique story.

SS City of Adelaide (Magnetic Island, Australia)
The SS City of Adelaide, a steamship built in 1864, met its fate on the shores of Magnetic Island in Queensland.Originally a passenger vessel, it was later used for coal storage before catching fire and running aground in 1916. Today, its remains are visible near a forested shore, and local residents occasionally collect oysters from its sides.
MV Captayannis (River Clyde, Scotland)
On January 27, 1974, the MV Captayannis, also known as the "Sugar Boat," was moored in Scotland's River Clyde when fierce winds caused it to drift and collide with a BP tanker's anchor chains. The collision created a hole in its hull, leading the vessel to run aground on a sandbar, where it remains tilted on its side, rusting away.
MV Plassy (Finnis Rock, Ireland)
The MV Plassy, a motor vessel built in 1941, ran aground at Finnis Rock in March 1960 due to strong winds and heavy rain. The ship, which had travelled extensively, was abandoned after losing power. The remains are still visible at Finnis Rock, serving as a historical landmark and a reminder of the ship’s final voyage.
Shale Scow (Elk Rapids, Michigan, USA)
The Shale Scow, a flat-bottomed boat, sank in 1903 while docked in Elk Rapids, Michigan. With the wreck resting in just 12 feet of water, it has become a popular site for snorkelers interested in exploring the well-preserved remains.
SS Benwood (Florida Keys, USA)
The SS Benwood, a Norwegian steamship sunk in 1942, became a target for U.S. Army aerial practice after World War II. The wreck, which resulted from a collision with another steamship during wartime rumours of a U-boat, is now a popular dive site in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Altair (Brazil)
The wreck of the Altair, a ship abandoned after sinking in 1976 due to a storm, lies along the southern coast of Brazil. The site has become a habitat for various species and a popular location for fishing and nautical sports. Visitors can also enjoy nearby sand dunes and wildlife.
Capsized Vessel (Basra, Iraq)
In the Shatt al-Arab river near Basra, Iraq, several shipwrecks, including a large capsized vessel, can be spotted. The river, a graveyard for numerous sunken ships, provides a striking image of maritime disaster in the region.
USS Utah (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii)
Sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, the USS Utah was a dreadnought battleship used as an auxiliary vessel. The ship capsized during the attack, killing many crew members. Its wreck remains visible and serves as a historical memorial.
SS Maheno (Fraser Island, Australia)
Converted into a floating hospital during World War I, the SS Maheno was later sold for scrap metal. However, it never reached its destination; a cyclone severed its towline, and it was found stranded on Fraser Island's beach in 1935, where it remains today.
Staten Island Boat Graveyard (New York, USA)
The Staten Island Boat Graveyard is a well-known site where numerous abandoned boats and ships lie in a state of disrepair. This graveyard, visible on Google Earth, reflects the remnants of maritime history along New York's waterfront.
Also read: Legendary treasures around the world that are still missing