Sections of the ex-HMAS Brisbane, a former Royal Australian Navy warship that is one of Australia's premier wreck-dive sites, have been redesigned by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Steve Hoseck, Principal Ranger of Southern Marine Parks, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said rangers conducted an initial post-cyclone inspection of the popular dive site, located off Mooloolaba, 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," Mr Hoseck said.
"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."
Mr Hoseck said Rangers are prioritising making safe the separated areas so diving can resume as soon as possible.
"Once these works have been completed, we will open the site for guided external-only dives run by the two local dive operators.
"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.
"This internal assessment is complex work that requires good sea conditions and could take several months to complete. Access during this time will be limited to guided dives only for safety.
"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 so that visitors can experience its new creative expressions as soon as possible.
"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."
