Who is MAAWA?
The Maritime Archaeology Association of Western Australia was created in 1974 and is primarily an archaeological association with members having the opportunity to dive on shipwrecks, participate in research relating to shipwreck sites and the conservation management of maritime archaeological heritage sites around the coast of Western Australia.
An example of the type of activities MAAWA is involved with is the ongoing relationship with the Rottnest Island Authority where members have carried out both underwater and land-based investigation. Recent works have included 3D recording of the early salt works building, searching for evidence of early island land uses such prisons, farm locations, and military features. A MAAWA report can be found at the following link.
For further information about MAAWA please visit our website via these links
MAAWA+reports+2019-2020+volume+6.pdf (squarespace.com)
THE MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (MAAWA), 45 CLIFF ST, FREMANTLE, WA, 6160, AUSTRALIA.
MAAWA hopes that by accessing local knowledge, it may lead to the discovery of the Koombana. Some of the activities that may have led to an interaction with the wreck include:
Fishermen having lost gear on an obstruction e.g., fishing nets;
As a productive fishing spot
Through subsea surveys of the area carried out, for example by the oil and gas industry, the ports authority etc.
The above interactions may not have been considered or disclosed as a possible shipwreck location for many reasons. These include fishermen not wishing to disclose a good fishing spot, the loss of gear not being considered as a result of a shipwreck as there are many other possible obstructions, the location being outside of where the wreck is thought to lie, and the subsea survey not seeing a wreck as they were not looking for shipwrecks.
To assist with the reporting of potential wreck locations and to encourage community engagement and reporting, MAAWA is offering a $5000 reward for information leading to the Koombana discovery. Refer to the register tab for reward conditions and access to the registration form
If your information leads to the discovery of the Koombana location, your details would be included with any wreck location information submitted to the Western Australian Maritime Museum.