Press Releases

Friday 18th February 2011

The TRUTH about the ex-HMAS Canberra Artificial Reef

 “CCARP needs to clarify some misinformation that has been given about the Adelaide’s sister ship, the Canberra” said Sue Dengate, secretary of the Central Coast Artificial Reef Project

“The Canberra was scuttled on a sea bed which is part rock. Because of this The Canberra was expected to go to ‘list’ straight away, but didn’t till recently” said Sue. “This is probably the cause of the ‘hanger movement’ as the Canberra would have been subjected to some strain, particularly in the heavy seas of Bass Straight.”

“However, when the Adelaide site was chosen in 2001 by CCARP, we had been specifically searching for ocean floor that is all sand with a depth of 2 metres (minimum). The Adelaide site is the only spot with this depth of sand and that is also why we can’t move the site to another location” Said Sue Dengate.

“The depth of sand allows the vessel to ‘settle’ in the sandy bottom, cradling the Adelaide and will assist in keeping her in the position that she is scuttled in” said Sue

“Here are some quotes from John Lawler, President of the Victorian Artificial Reef Society (VARS)” said Sue
“The Canberra settled on the bottom after scuttling at 6 degrees, and in 18 months, during which swells have been almost 10 metres on many occasions, it has leaned into the prevailing swells to 23 degrees at our last measurement. Engineers said it could go to 25 degrees, but the centre of gravity is now so low it would prevent the ship from listing further. Those who keep suggesting the Canberra could fall over simply don't believe in physics. Divers have embraced the current list by saying it makes the wreck more "real". Parks Victoria has recently released a warning about a crack which has been noticed in a hangar wall. Parks is a state government body which must be seen to be providing a safe dive site, and they are doing a great job. The crack is minor, the hangar is still complete, and nothing is hanging off!” “The Canberra was an excellent dive when it was scuttled, and has only improved since. There have been no diver incidents, every part of it is covered in life, it saved our industry through the GFC, and will continue to contribute to our local communities, and thus the whole state, for many years to come”.

“Given that we don’t get 10 metre swells here (let alone have them often) and given that the precautionary work ordered by the Tribunal has removed anything that could possibly become debris, The Adelaide, just like the Perth, Swan, Brisbane and Hobart, won’t have these issues” said Sue Dengate  

“It is disappointing indeed that our side of the story has not been sought by some of our local media journalists”

“We would also like to re-affirm the ex-HMAS Adelaide’s motto”
“United for the Common Good”

 

For further information please call Sue Dengate on: Ph. 0417 028286

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