The hull's port and starboard sides are broken off at the turn of the bilge and flank the main portion of the wreck. The port side lies alongside the bilge, inboard up, with the stempost and forward cant frames still attached to the bow. An inverted part of the Pretoria's containing the ship's steam-driven anchor windlass lies atop the port bow section. The starboard side lies outboard up and partially overlaps the starboard turn of the bilge. Some of the iron ore cargo still sticks to areas of the bilge ceiling and is scattered around the wreck.

The inverted section of foredeck and the steam windlass are the highest points on the wreck, rising up to an approximate depth of 46 feet. The windlass barrel was originally driven by an overhead crank and worm gear , powered by a two-cylinder steam engine mounted on the windlass base.

The port side of the hull exposes the inboard architecture, which supported the upper deck and the lower deck, as well as portions of the forward bulwark . Breaks in the planking allow a partial view of the Pretoria's hull reinforcement. There is steel cross bracing beneath the exterior planking over the frames . The straps are 5 inches wide and 0.5 inches thick, and they form a diagonal basketwork of steel strapping over the entire hull.

Artifacts, including wire rope, iron fastenings, a section of 1.5-inch diameter pipe, and a metal coal shovel, lie off the starboard side of the wreck.

Several large sections of the Pretoria are missing and might have been pushed southwest of the main wreck, closer to the lighthouse. Because the bell was reportedly located downwind of the wreck's location, it is a likely resting place for the Pretoria's missing stern, decking, and rudder . Parts of the cabins and hatches also could be in the area, but they might have floated farther. There is little wreckage in the hull area, except for a few fastenings and small timbers. If the ship's wheel was found as reported, the stern and rudder also could be in the vicinity.

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