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Retired dredger scuttled as artificial reef
On Sep 7, the 'Andrew Wilson' was scuttled in the Gulf of St. Vincent, about six kilometres off the coast of Brighton, becoming South Australia's newest artificial reef. The sinking of the vessel followed a 40-kilometre journey, being towed by the tug 'Sea Pelican' (IMO: 8950873) from Port Adelaide to Brighton, where it was anchored overnight prior to the scuttling. Valves were opened on the morning to allow water to flood the hull. The vessel gradually sank bow first, before water flooded the deck, and settled upright 20 metres below the water surface on the sandy ocean floor. The hopper dredger made history as the first vessel to be scuttled in South Australian waters in more than two decades. In the following days, teams were to conduct a final safety inspection of the wreck before it officially opens to the public for recreational diving. The historic event was delivered through the Australian and South Australian governments' $165 million algal bloom response, helping restore marine biodiversity in the area. 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, with explorers able to swim through multiple compartments, including the engine room, galley and bridge. The shipwreck was also another important step towards restoring fish and other marine life, which suffered a significant blow from the algal bloom. The complex mission to scuttle the ship began several months ago when it was donated to the State Government by Maritime Constructions. Before it 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 was now in effect to allow local fish stocks, such as snapper, flathead, and King George whiting to thrive in the area. The vessel had 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. Reports with photos and video: https://www.miragenews.com/mv-andrew-wilsons-final-voyage-sinking-farewell-1740846/ https://www.inkl.com/news/retired-40-metre-dredger-sunk-off-adelaide-to-create-new-artificial-reef https://scubaverse.com/historic-vessel-becomes-new-south-australian-dive-site/ https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdDrC3Nk79-/
Retired hopper dredger to become artificial reef
The 'Andrew Wilson' will become the first vessel to be scuttled in South Australian waters in more than two decades as part of a major mission to help restore biodiversity. Donated by Maritime Constructions, the ship will be turned into an artificial reef around six kilometres off the coast of Brighton in Gulf St Vincent later in 2026. The initiative has been funded as part of the Australian and South Australian government’s $165 million investment in algal bloom response and recovery measures. This was tp help with the restoration of marine life, while also creating a major drawcard for recreational divers. Currently docked in Port Adelaide, the hopper dredger is being stripped of hazardous materials, with expert teams also removing certain internal walls and cutting strategic access holes into the hull tp allow safe and accessible entrances for scuba divers. When the work has been completed, the ship will be towed to the designated scuttling site. Once in place, valves will be opened to allow water to flow into the hull, which will cause the vessel to gradually sink until it settles upright on the sandy ocean floor. The shipwreck will offer an exciting underwater experience, with divers able to explore multiple rooms, including the engine room, galley and bridge. The vessel’s iconic exterior crane will remain in place and serve as an underwater landmark. This will be the first time a ship has been purposely sunk in South Australia since the ex-HMAS 'Hobart' in 2002. However, unlike the former missile destroyer, which is a deep dive site suited for experienced scuba divers, the 'Andrew Wilson' will be much more accessible. Resting in shallower waters, the new site will be suitable for beginners and anyone with an entry-level scuba diving qualification. This location was specifically chosen because of this, as well as its ideal seabed conditions, close proximity to nearby boat ramps, and safe distance from major shipping channels. The State Government has undertaken detailed site assessments and consulted with key industry stakeholders, including the Scuba Divers Federation of South Australia, RecFish SA, and the Environment Protection Authority. Following the scuttling, an exclusion zone will be temporarily in place around the wreck to allow the vessel to settle safely. A final site inspection will then be carried out before it is opened to the public. In its career, the ship has undertaken local dredging works, supported previous artificial reef installations, and played a pivotal role in the salvage mission of the fatal Whyalla Airlines tragedy in May 2000, where eight people were killed when the Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 crashed into the Spencer Gulf. Reports with photos and video: https://dit.sa.gov.au/news/articles/2026/august/final-voyage-for-historic-ship-to-help-algal-bloom-recovery https://maritime-executive.com/article/south-australia-sinks-historic-grab-dredger-as-artificial-reef
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