The MV Andrew Wilson is preparing for its final voyage - but its next chapter will see it continue to support South Australia's marine environment for generations to come.
The historic 40m vessel is being transformed into an artificial reef and recreational dive site, helping restore marine biodiversity following the algal bloom.
Donated by Maritime Constructions, the MV Andrew Wilson will be scuttled 6km off the coast of Brighton in Gulf St Vincent later this year. It will be the first vessel purposely sunk in South Australian waters in more than two decades.
The project is part of the Australian and South Australian governments' $165 million investment in algal bloom response and recovery measures, supporting marine life recovery while creating a new underwater attraction for recreational divers.
Currently docked at Port Adelaide, the vessel is being prepared for its new life beneath the water. Hazardous materials are being removed, while internal walls are being stripped back and strategic access holes cut into the hull to create safe entry points for divers.
Once preparations are complete, the ship will be towed to its designated site and gradually sunk onto the sandy seabed, where it will settle upright.
Over time, the wreck is expected to become a thriving marine habitat, providing new surfaces for marine life to establish and creating an underwater environment for divers to explore.
Divers will be able to access areas of the former working vessel including its engine room, galley and bridge, while its iconic crane will remain as an underwater landmark.
The site has been selected for its accessibility, with the wreck resting in shallower waters than the former HMAS Hobart dive site and suitable for beginners with an entry-level scuba diving qualification.
It also offers favourable seabed conditions, is close to nearby boat ramps and sits a safe distance from major shipping channels.
Detailed site assessments have been undertaken, with the State Government consulting key groups including the Scuba Divers Federation of South Australia, RecFish SA and the Environment Protection Authority.
Once the vessel has been scuttled, a temporary exclusion zone will be established around the wreck while it settles safely on the seabed. A final site inspection will then take place before the dive site is opened to the public.
The MV Andrew Wilson has already had a long and varied history in South Australian waters.
Built in 1962, the vessel has carried out dredging works, supported previous artificial reef installations and assisted with marine projects across the state. It also played a role in the salvage mission following the Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 tragedy in 2000.
Dale Hemming, who worked as an engineer aboard the MV Andrew Wilson for almost two decades, said it was fitting that the vessel's final voyage would see it take on a new purpose.
"Even after a lifetime of service, the Andrew Wilson will continue to give back by creating a thriving marine habitat and a place for future generations to visit and appreciate," Mr Hemming said.
Find out more about South Australia's response to the algal bloom and recovery efforts at algalbloom.sa.gov.au.
This article was prepared by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and is reproduced here with permission.
