New artificial reef and dive site off the Brighton coast

Tuesday 8 September 2026

With a new dive site cultivating off the coast of Brighton, be aware of boating rules to keep those on and below the water surface safe.

An iconic piece of South Australian maritime history has been sunk and will transform into a thriving artificial reef and dive site.

The MV Andrew Wilson, a 40-metre grab hopper dredger, is now located around six kilometres off the coast of Brighton in the St Vincent Gulf.

The scuttling is part of the algal bloom response. It is expected to help with the restoration of marine life, while also creating a major drawcard for recreational divers.

MV Andrew Wilson dive site

The MV Andrew Wilson dive site will be open to the public after the site passes a final inspection.

As the ship rests in shallower waters, 20 metres deep, it will be suitable for beginners and anyone with an entry-level scuba diving qualification.

The shipwreck offers an exciting underwater experience. Divers can explore many rooms, including the engine room, galley and bridge. The vessel’s iconic exterior crane also remains in place.

Safe boating near dive sites

As the operator of a vessel, you are responsible for the safety of:

the vessel
your passengers
anyone else around you.

A vessel or buoy with divers below will display a white and blue flag. Vessels must slow to 4 knots within 50 metres of a vessel or buoy displaying this flag.

Keep a close watch for persons or equipment as divers can stray from the diving signal.

Learn more about boating safely near divers.

Fishing restrictions

Recreational fishing is not permitted within 200 metres of the MV Andrew Wilson site for 12 months.

This will allow fish stocks and marine vegetation to colonise the wreck undisturbed.

Restrictions are also in place for commercial fishers.

The MV Andrew Wilson

Commissioned in 1962, the MV Andrew Wilson has had a proud history in South Australian waters. It has:

undertaken local dredging works
supported previous artificial reef installations
supported construction of the Penneshaw wharf
played a pivotal role in the Whyalla Airlines salvage mission in 2000.

Before scuttling, expert teams removed hazardous materials and certain internal walls. They also cut strategic access holes into the hull.

This was the first time a ship has been purposely sunk in South Australia since the ex-HMAS Hobart in 2002.

Read more about the scuttling of the MV Andrew Wilson.

Ongoing site management

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport manages the MV Andrew Wilson shipwreck site to ensure functional safety.