An iconic South Australian workhorse has taken its final voyage, deliberately sinking beneath the waters off Brighton to begin an entirely new chapter as the state’s newest artificial reef.
The MV Andrew Wilson, a 40-metre grab hopper dredger that has served South Australia for more than 60 years, was scuttled about six kilometres offshore on Sunday in a historic first, becoming the first vessel to be intentionally sunk in South Australian waters in more than two decades.
But while the ship’s working life has come to an end, its story is far from over.
Resting around 20 metres below the surface of Gulf St Vincent, the vessel is expected to become a thriving underwater habitat for fish and marine life, while also creating an exciting new destination for recreational divers once final safety inspections are completed.
The project forms part of the response to South Australia’s devastating algal bloom, with the artificial reef designed to help restore marine biodiversity and provide a boost for species including snapper, flathead and King George whiting.
To give marine life the best chance to establish, fishing within 200 metres of the wreck has been temporarily banned for the next 12 months.
For divers, the site promises a unique experience. Once opened to the public, those with an entry-level scuba qualification will be able to explore sections of the ship, including the bridge, engine room and galley, all within relatively accessible depths.
Before its final voyage, the Andrew Wilson underwent months of preparation. Specialist crews removed hazardous materials, stripped internal fittings and modified the vessel to ensure it would be safe for both divers and the surrounding marine environment before it slipped beneath the waves.
Built in 1962, the Andrew Wilson has played an important role in South Australia’s maritime history. Over the decades it carried out dredging works across the state, helped install previous artificial reefs and even assisted in the recovery operation following the tragic Whyalla Airlines Flight 904 crash into Spencer Gulf in 2000.
Now, instead of moving sand and supporting construction projects, the vessel’s final job will be helping marine life recover while creating another reason for people to get out on the water and explore South Australia’s coastline.
