South Australia Police’s Water Operations Unit has assisted in maintaining maritime safety during the planned scuttling of the former dredger MV Andrew Wilson off the metropolitan coast today.
The 40-metre vessel was scuttled on Monday 7 September approximately six kilometres west of Brighton as part of a joint Australian and South Australian Government project to create an artificial reef and recreational dive site.
Water Operations Unit officers worked alongside marine safety authorities throughout the operation, ensuring vessels remained clear of the designated exclusion zone.
Sergeant Darian Leske, Water Operations Unit, said the operation attracted significant public interest and safety remained the priority.
“Our role was to help ensure the scuttling was conducted safely and without interference from recreational vessels.
“As expected, there was significant public interest in the operation, with local boaters, fishers and other water users gathering on the water to watch the vessel sink.
“The Water Operations Unit was proud to support the Department for Infrastructure and Transport in ensuring the operation was conducted safely for everyone involved, as well as those observing from the water,” Sergeant Leske said.
Water Operations Unit divers will undertake final safety inspections in the coming days to confirm the vessel has settled upright on the seafloor.
Once opened to the public, the vessel is expected to become a popular attraction for South Australia’s diving community and will form part of the state’s growing network of artificial reef and recreational diving sites.
