Diving down on the former HMAS Brisbane to check on conditions after the cyclone. All photos courtesy of Qld Environment Department
The power of former Tropical Cyclone Alfred has even extended to beneath the waves.
The former HMAS Brisbane, that is now a wreck dive-site, has had a major ‘makeover’, rangers discovered during a check.
Steve Hoseck is principal ranger of Southern Marine Parks (Qld Parks and Wildlife Service).
He says an inspection of the dive site, located off Mooloolaba, was held over the weekend.
“While the majority of the wreck remains in great shape, and appears unaffected by Alfred, a large forward section of the ship has undergone a major makeover,” he says.
“An entire section below the front funnel has detached and been relocated to the port side of the ship – this is an amazing demonstration of the power of the waves and water currents that were at play during the cyclone.”
Hoseck says rangers are prioritising efforts to make the separated areas safe so diving can resume.
“Once these works have been completed, we will open the site for guided external-only dives run by the two local dive operators,” he says.
“The next priority is a full internal inspection of the wreck to assess if additional work is required before diver entry into the wreck is deemed safe.”
The smoke stack starts at just 3m below the surface. The ship was eight stories high and was 133m long, according to QPWS.
Before the cyclone, access holes allowed passage into the forward engine room, boiler room, gun mount and interior.
FULL ASSESSMENT
He says internal assessment requires good sea conditions and could take several months. Access during this time will be limited to guided dives only.
“A multi-beam survey in April will give us an indication of damage to external surfaces, and will be compared to previous surveys to determine if any further twisting or warping has occurred.
“We recognise how important the ex-HMAS Brisbane site is to the local diving community and tourism industry and we are committed to getting the site safe and reopened,” Hoseck says.
But he also has a safety message.
“We ask that people stay away from the site until it is deemed safe.
“Once deemed safe, the ex-HMAS Brisbane will be an amazing dive, with new twists and unique perspectives thanks to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
More information is available at: ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park.
