Shipwreck Portfolio

Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Swan DE 50, a decommissioned river class destroyer escort in the Royal Australian Navy, was deliberately sunk off Dunsborough, Western Australia, in December 1997. This event began its new life as an artificial reef and a popular dive site. The ship, originally commissioned in 1967, had served in various capacities, including during the Vietnam War. After retirement, the decision was made to sink it to enhance marine biodiversity and create a unique diving attraction. Today, the HMAS Swan wreck lies in 30 meters of water in Geographe Bay, attracting divers eager to explore its structure and marine life that has since colonised its hull. The site has become a significant part of Western Australia’s diving tourism, offering both historical intrigue and ecological richness beneath the sea.

Shipwrecks have held a timeless fascination, drawing divers and undersea explorers worldwide across centuries. Beyond their dramatic histories and tales of tragedy, wrecks offer insights into the past, allowing marine archaeologists to uncover how people once lived and worked aboard these vessels. Each wreck is a treasure trove of artifacts and historical clues, providing glimpses into maritime technology and ancient lifestyles.

Shipwrecks, once the subject of timeless fascination, now serve as thriving ecosystems. As artificial reefs, they provide shelter and breeding grounds for a diverse range of marine life, from corals and sponges to various fish species. These sunken relics embody a unique blend of history, ecology, and adventure beneath the waves, continuing to attract explorers and conservationists alike.