South Australia scuttles retired dredger to create artificial reef for marine recovery

In a coordinated effort, South Australia sank the 40-metre former dredger MV Andrew Wilson roughly six kilometres off Brighton, where it now lies upright on the seabed at a depth of 20 metres. The scuttling forms the latest artificial reef under a $165 million algal-bloom response plan aimed at restoring fish populations and other marine life after severe water-quality impacts. The vessel was towed from Port Adelaide, anchored overnight, and then flooded by opening valves after hazardous substances and internal walls were removed in line with Environment Protection Authority standards.

The government has imposed a temporary 200-metre fishing exclusion zone for a year to allow the reef to mature. Once safety checks are completed, divers will be permitted to explore sections such as the engine room, galley and bridge. The project builds on earlier habitat initiatives, including native oyster reefs and seagrass restoration, and marks the first vessel scuttling in South Australian waters in over two decades.