The MV Andrew Wilson recently took her final voyage, sinking six kilometres off the coast of Brighton to become South Australia’s newest artificial reef.
The 40-metre grab hopper dredger will make history today as the first vessel to be scuttled in South Australian waters in more than two decades.
The historic event is being delivered through the Australian and South Australian governments’ $165 million algal bloom response, helping restore marine biodiversity in the area.
The sinking of the iconic vessel follows a 40-kilometre journey from Port Adelaide to Brighton, where she was anchored overnight prior to the scuttling.
Valves will be opened this morning to allow water to flood the hull. The vessel will gradually sink and settle upright 20 metres below on the sandy ocean floor.
In the coming days, teams will conduct a final safety inspection of the wreck before it officially opens to the public for recreational diving.
Resting in shallower waters, the site is suitable for anyone with an entry-level scuba diving qualification.
This location was specifically chosen for its accessibility, ideal seabed conditions, close proximity to boat ramps, and safe distance from major shipping channels.
Once open to public diving, the shipwreck will offer an exciting underwater experience, with explorers able to swim through multiple compartments, including the engine room, galley and bridge.
The shipwreck is also another important step towards restoring fish and other marine life, which suffered a significant blow from the algal bloom.
It builds on other environmental recovery efforts, including building native oyster reefs and restoring seagrass habitat.
The complex mission to scuttle the ship began several months ago when she was donated to the State Government by Maritime Constructions.
Before the vessel could be sunk, specialist crews meticulously stripped the ship of all hazardous materials, removed internal walls, and cut strategic access holes into the hull.
A deep clean was carried out in close consultation with the Environment Protection Authority and an independent specialist. Strict international guidelines were also met to ensure there were no negative impacts on the local marine environment.
To give the artificial reef the best possible start, a 12-month ban on all recreational and commercial fishing within a 200-metre radius of the ship is now in effect.
This temporary restriction will allow local fish stocks, such as snapper, flathead, and King George whiting to thrive in the area.
Built in 1962, the MV Andrew Wilson has had a long history in South Australian waters. The vessel has undertaken local dredging works, supported previous artificial reef installations, and played a pivotal role in the salvage mission following the fatal Whyalla Airlines tragedy in May 2000, where eight people were killed when Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 crashed into Spencer Gulf.
Now her legacy will continue beneath the surface, serving the state’s marine environment for generations to come.
New artificial reef and dive site off the Brighton coast
With a new dive site cultivating off the coast of Brighton, be aware of boating rules to keep those on and below the water surface safe.
An iconic piece of South Australian maritime history has been sunk and will transform into a thriving artificial reef and dive site.
The MV Andrew Wilson, a 40-metre grab hopper dredger, is now located around six kilometres off the coast of Brighton in the St Vincent Gulf.
The scuttling is part of the algal bloom response. It is expected to help with the restoration of marine life, while also creating a major drawcard for recreational divers.
MV Andrew Wilson dive site
The MV Andrew Wilson dive site will be open to the public after the site passes a final inspection.
As the ship rests in shallower waters, 20 metres deep, it will be suitable for beginners and anyone with an entry-level scuba diving qualification.
The shipwreck offers an exciting underwater experience. Divers can explore many rooms, including the engine room, galley and bridge. The vessel’s iconic exterior crane also remains in place.
Safe boating near dive sites
As the operator of a vessel, you are responsible for the safety of:
- the vessel
- your passengers
- anyone else around you.
A vessel or buoy with divers below will display a white and blue flag. Vessels must slow to 4 knots within 50 metres of a vessel or buoy displaying this flag.
Keep a close watch for persons or equipment as divers can stray from the diving signal.
Learn more about boating safely near divers »
Fishing restrictions
Recreational fishing is not permitted within 200 metres of the MV Andrew Wilson site for 12 months.
This will allow fish stocks and marine vegetation to colonise the wreck undisturbed.
Restrictions are also in place for commercial fishers.
Read more about fishing restrictions »
The MV Andrew Wilson
Commissioned in 1962, the MV Andrew Wilson has had a proud history in South Australian waters. It has:
- undertaken local dredging works
- supported previous artificial reef installations
- supported construction of the Penneshaw wharf
- played a pivotal role in the Whyalla Airlines salvage mission in 2000.
Before scuttling, expert teams removed hazardous materials and certain internal walls. They also cut strategic access holes into the hull.
This was the first time a ship has been purposely sunk in South Australia since the ex-HMAS Hobart in 2002.
Ongoing site management
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport manages the MV Andrew Wilson shipwreck site to ensure functional safety.
For more information, visit dit.sa.gov.au
