Since 1916, the area to the west of Little Betsy Island has been used for the disposal of unwanted ships. This has created a concentration of 20-35m wreck dives very close to Hobart. The wrecks are very interesting, and most of the hulls are intact and home to a vast array of marine life.

On 28 June 1930 the hulk of the former steamship Musgrave, after spending three years laid up at Hobart following its last commercial voyage, was scuttled off Betsey Island.
Musgrave (ex Fiona), ON 89,280, was originally a twin-screw steamship of 904/467 grt/net, 211.1’ x 30.2’ x 15.4’, built at Port Glasgow in 1883 by J. Reid & Co., and was registered at Hobart in the name of R. Kennedy & Sons Pty. Ltd., who had purchased the ship for scrapping from last commercial owners, Hobart flour millers Gibsons Ltd., in February 1930. The vessel’s two compound steam engines had been made by Rankin & Blackmore of Greenock.

The wreck of the S.S “Leura” also attracts hordes of school fish. LEURA; 757.72 tons; Built at W. H. Potter in 1878. Registered at Melbourne VIC. Registration no. 23/1878. LEURA was on voyage from Little Betsey Island, Tasmania when she was lost off Little Betsey Island. Read more at wrecksite: https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?54710

The  tug “Swiftness” and adjacent Barge is a pretty nice drop.

The floating bridge sections are covered in massive yellow and white Jewel Anemones.

Most of the wrecks are reasonably safe, a torch is needed to light up the colour.

ADVANCED OPEN WATER WITH RECENT DIVES REQUIRED. Blue water decent / ascent.

Nitrox is available from Southern Tas Divers – It would be a good option for these dives to extend bottom time. Let me know by Sat morning if interested.

Meeting at Dive Sheds, Olinda Grove Sports Grounds 9 am

Use of club Regs, BCD and weights are included in the cost of the dive if needed; Tanks additional.