The Manfred was a barque wrecked on the Lacepede Islands in 1879, during the era when the islands were mined for guano (1876–1884). The Marine Life Network and divingwawrecks both highlight it as the notable wreck of the Lacepedes: it is visible at low tide and accessible by snorkel. Cyclones have battered the site, and other pearl luggers lost in the area have not been found.

Kimberley diving context: the Kimberley coast between Broome and Wyndham is one of the least-dived coastlines in Australia. Huge tides (up to 10–11 m), turbid inshore water, saltwater crocodiles around the islands and rivers, and large sharks mean that inshore diving is generally discouraged by experienced local boaters, and expedition cruise ships mostly offer snorkelling or Zodiac excursions rather than scuba. The serious diving is offshore, on atolls and island reefs far from river run-off, visited on a handful of liveaboard departures a year from Broome or Darwin. Medical help is many hours away; divers should be conservative and carry DAN or equivalent evacuation cover.

Planning notes: this is primarily a snorkelling site. Expect to spend most of the dive around 2 m, with a maximum of about 4 m. It can only be reached on a multi-day expedition or liveaboard, so it is usually one of several sites dived on the trip and choices are made by the crew on the day. Currents are significant, so timing around the tide is part of the plan. Best season: September–November (calmest window). Traffic: remote/expedition only.

As for the Lacepede Islands: charter or private vessel from Broome (about 150 km). The wreck is on the reef and visible at low tide; snorkel from a tender on a rising neap tide. Expedition vessels typically depart Broome or Darwin (or Wyndham) on 10–14 night Kimberley voyages, or on dedicated 7–12 night reef expeditions; private vessels need full offshore capability, long-range communications (satphone/EPIRB) and fuel for several hundred nautical miles.

Dives are run from tenders launched from the mothership, which anchors in the lee of the reef.

Kimberley offshore trips run in the dry season (roughly April–October; Scott Reef and Rowley trips cluster September–November when winds ease). The wet season (November–April) brings cyclones, and the Kimberley coast has tides up to 10–11 m, creating violent currents, whirlpools and tidal races near the mainland and inshore reefs. Offshore atolls have smaller ranges but strong currents in channels.

Strong easterly trade winds in mid-dry season can make crossings rough.

Snorkel around the exposed wreckage on a calm neap tide from a tender.

No regular operator – private vessels and occasional charters.