Australia's HMAS Canberra Wreck Reopens to Scuba Divers

Divers will once again be able to dive beneath the waters of the ocean at the HMAS Canberra site in Australia after it reopened to the public this week.

The popular scuba diving site off Ocean Grove near Victoria closed to the public in July this year following safety concerns when part of the ship came loose.

The sunken vessel is a popular attraction for divers and its reopening has come just in time as tourists from all over the world head to Australia for their scuba diving holidays during the country's summer months.

Image by geirf, on Flickr.

The diving site was closed in July so that work could be carried out by Parks Victoria to repair the parts of the ship that were coming away from the main structure.

Parks Victoria's Vin Wright said: "While it's impossible to remove all the risks, the fact that it's a challenging dive is also a huge part of the appeal."

The reopening is good news for dive operators also as they prepare for the influx of tourists who are keen to explore the sunken ship during scuba diving holidays.

Dive Victoria Group's Managing Director, Jason Salter, said. "This is something we've been waiting for to happen for quite some time.

Image by geirf, on Flickr.

"Since the Canberra was sunk two years ago, it's certainly highlighted Victoria as a great dive site and having it back up in operation again will help promote local diving activity but also get interstate and international markets back over summer."

During the site's closure, Parks Victoria assessed the listing vessel and found that it was "relatively stable and unlikely to tip over".
Mr Wright added: "As a wreck its condition will constantly change as it naturally deteriorates over time.

"It is important divers are aware of any items which may have become loose, and confined spaces which may have become blocked or partially blocked either by loose items or shifting sand."

Image by geirf, on Flickr.

Mr Salter commented: "It's the only wreck to have so many parts left on the ship, which creates places of interest and habitat for marine life.

"I think it's the best scuttled shipwreck in Australia and I'm certainly looking forward to getting back out there and seeing how she looks after a few months."

The HMAS Canberra artificial reef and dive wreck is situated within the waters off Ocean Grove and has fast become one of Australia's most popular scuba diving destinations.

The ship was scuttled in 2009 and is now a popular wreck diving attraction due to the abundant marine life that has set up home within the ship's nooks and crannies.