One of it's victims was  a three masted iron ship The Star of Greece. She was built in Belfast and carried cargo around the world. The ship had made many trips to Port Adelaide, one of which delivered the 22 ton cannons designed to defend the colony at Fort Glanville. The Star of Greece was the pride of the Star shipping line, but was no match for the raging seas. She hit the bottom off Port Willunga and broke up - only 11 of the 28 crew on board survived. "The remains of the Star of Greece lie just off shore at Port Willunga, which makes you wonder why so many of the crew perished. Well, she ran aground around 3 in the morning and  it wasn't until dawn that a young girl on the shore first saw the ship and raised the alarm. However, the Telegraph Office didn't open until 9am, so it was mid morning before the authorities in Adelaide could mount a rescue attempt - the first rescue boats didn't arrive until late afternoon. One Hundred and ten  years after the disaster, The Star of Greece remains one of the easiest wrecks to access in the State. 

The ship was 70 metres long, and today about half of that length remains on the sandy ocean floor. On a clear day the girders of the mid section appear like a ribcage and a portion of the bow breaks the surface at low tide. The Star of Greece was carrying 16-thousand bags of wheat for Britain when she sank. When it started breaking up, a banker from Aldinga, Charlie Addison tried to swim through the mountainous seas to grab a rope tossed by the crew of the fast sinking vessel - to no avail. The people of Port Willunga created a memorial for those who perished, but it was destroyed by white ants. Now a plaque lies on the seabed telling the story to those who scuba or snorkel down to it. Inevitably the wreck has been stripped over the years, but it is still a fascinating dive. At low tide the wreck is about three metres below the surface, so you can snorkel around it. It lies close enough to shore for a strong swimmer to make it out and back. 

On the foreshore overlooking Port Willunga beach, is a small cafe called the Star of Greece which is frequented by locals, surfies and visitors alike and  worth a visit, for a quick snack. 

The original dwelling housing and subsequently the cafe,  was built of timber  from the wreckage of the Star of Greece ship.  It is now clad in painted corrugated iron and offers, delicious wholesome food at a very reasonable price in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. 

Adorning the walls of the cafe are information and pictures of the Star of Greece wreck. For reservations or take-away orders, phone 8557 7420.