A 25 metre illegal Indonesian fishing vessel whose primary function was to rape and pillage fish stocks in Australian waters is now providing a useful new marine habitat at the bottom of Darwin Harbour.
The Medkhanun 3 was purchased by the NT government from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority for just $1, and has been sunk as wreck for recreational fishing and diving as a part of the Song Saigon complex.
In a spectacular underwater session last week, members of Darwin Dive Centre have photographed the ship at rest, with graphic evidence that the wreck will be a fantastic haunt for the big Jewies and Snapper much sought after by Territory anglers
Dave Powell, General Manager of Darwin Dive Centre, said that “ As we sunk down to the 12 metre mark we found the vessel laying on her port side with the hull facing away from the Darwin city.”
“We then sunk down to a depth of 17.2 metres where we found the bottom to be coarse grit interspersed with small soft corals. As the vessel now lies she will make a great haven for fish life of all kinds. At the moment there is very little life except for thousands of small Glass Fish,” he said.
“The main above deck structure remains off the bottom and creates a magnificent ledge about 1.5metres up from the bottom. All the doors and hatches have remained open and this will make for some really interesting fish hiding areas in the future however will cause some anxious moments to dive operators preventing divers from penetrating the wreck.”
For safety reasons, Darwin Dive Centre have called on the NT Government to legislate top keep divers out of the wreck itself. “We believe that the vessel will suit both the Dive and Fisherman of Darwin left as she lies on the harbour floor. However, we recommend a notice of non-penetration by divers be declared for safety reasons." said Mr Powell.
Dived by
Wayne Huxley (Director), Wayne Flynn (Divemaster), Raine Caldwell (Divemaster), Sam Christensen (Instructor) & Dave Powell (Manager) of Darwin Dive Centre.
Photos by
Wayne Flynn and Dave Powell
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