HMAS Tobruk scuttling labelled a ‘stuff-up’ by dive operators

IT WAS supposed to be a win for the state’s tourist industry, but everyone watching our navy’s biggest ship sink knew something had gone terribly wrong.

DIVE operators say the scuttling of a former navy ship off central Queensland was a “stuff-up” after it came to rest on its side.

The State Government paid a contractor to sink ex-HMAS Tobruk late last month, promising it would provide a world-class dive site for tourists.

But the ship listed as valves flooded the vessel late last month, rolling it as it was going down in the Great Sandy Marine Park, between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

HMAS Tobruk started off upright.

The ship then slowly started to roll.

It now sits on its side in the waters of Hervey Bay.

It ended up on its side, with Lady Musgrave Experience owner Brett Lakey saying the landing was not what was promised to operators who have dive permits for the site.

He said the ship’s position could limit access to more experienced divers.

“I know (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) are … working with every option to see whether they will right it or leave it on its side,” Mr Lakey told The Courier-Mail.

“The perception has been that it’s been a bit of a stuff-up. It certainly limits and restricts any penetrations. If we don’t think it could work we could hand back permits.”

The Opposition says the scuttling was a devastating failure, and wants answers.

“Has the contractor been paid by the Government, and what’s the cost to rectify the bungle?” asked Stephen Bennett, an LNP member who holds the seat of Burnett near the wreck site.

But Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch has downplayed the outcome.

“The Queensland Government is currently working with the contractor and dive operators to assess the safety of the wreck and to scope dive experience opportunities,” she said in a statement.

She said dive operators had advised that in its current position, the wreck will still cater to all levels of diving.

The contractor who sank Tobruk is inspecting the wreck and will submit a report to the Government.