Joint media release: Final voyage for historic ship to help algal bloom recovery

The MV Andrew Wilson, a 40-metre grab hopper dredger, will become the first vessel to be scuttled in South Australian waters in more than two decades – 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 this year.

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 will help with the restoration of marine life, while also creating a major drawcard for recreational divers. Currently docked in Port Adelaide, the ship is being stripped of hazardous materials with expert teams also removing certain internal walls and cutting strategic access holes into the hull.

This will allow safe and accessible entrances for scuba divers. When 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 MV 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.

Built 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, and played a pivotal role in the salvage mission of the fatal Whyalla Airlines tragedy in May 2000, where eight people were killed when Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 crashed into Spencer Gulf.

For vision of the MV Andrew Wilson being decommissioned and underwater vision where the vessel will be located off the coast of Brighton click Quotes attributable to Murray Watt: "The Albanese and Malinauskas Governments have left no stone unturned in rolling out significant support to protect and restore South Australia's marine environment. "We continue to work hand-in-glove to deliver more than $165 million in response measures to the algal bloom.

"We are drawing on the best available science to protect our ocean, marine ecosystems and communities." Quotes attributable to Joe Szakacs: "The State Government is doing everything it can to help our marine environment recover from the algal bloom and now we are preparing to take it even further with the scuttling of this iconic vessel. "The MV Andrew Wilson has served the state for decades, and this next chapter will see it transform into a thriving artificial reef, supporting both the marine ecosystem and tourism industry.

This is only the second time in more than two decades that we have scuttled a vessel in South Australia. "A lot of work has gone into the planning and preparation of this project which gives this old vessel a new purpose, helping rebuild our marine ecosystem recover and creating an accessible dive experience." Quotes attributable to Dale Hemming, Former MV Andrew Wilson Engineer: "Being the engineer on board the Andrew Wilson for the best part of two decades has been one of the great privileges of my career.

I was fortunate to be the last of a handful of engineers who worked on and cared for this remarkable vessel throughout "She performed salvage operations, dive support, pile installation, navigation aid, reef construction, and countless other marine projects. She was even converted to a sardine vessel for several years fishing out of Port Lincoln - there wasn't much she didn't do.

"It is fitting that her final voyage will see her scuttled to become an artificial reef. 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." We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.