Captain Lambert of the ship Wachusett reported that on June 4, 1899 he passed over a reef which appeared to be of coral formation in approximately latitude 32°18′S 151°08′W / 32.300°S 151.133°W / -32.300; -151.133.

The bottom showed of a dark gray color with deep blue on both sides of the reef.

The depth was estimated at from 5 to 6 fathoms (30 to 36 ft; 9.1 to 11.0 m); unfortunately no soundings were taken.

[1] The 2015 edition of the National Geographic Atlas of the World still shows Wachusett Reef, with a depth of 9 metres (30 ft).

[2] Nevertheless, its existence is doubtful, making it a phantom reef.