
The scuttling of the Gemini1996.
|
The Gemini was a 36.5 metre-long steel hopper barge built in 1962 used as a drill barge for a dredging. In 1993 the Gemini was sold to a local charter boat operator for the purpose of creating a recreational dive site for advanced divers. The barge was towed by the Naval tug Tammar to a site near Two Rocks Marina and scuttled. In the process of sinking, the hull capsized and now lies on a sandy seabed in 30 metres of water.
The wreck is now covered with colourful sponges and beautiful pinky white soft corals. Large Samson fish often cirle the wreck so look out for them in Mid water as you descend. "The wreck is a no Spear fishing zone". |
Originally the wreck was intended to be sunk upright but by the time it reached the bottom had capsized. This actually resulted in a better wreck site as subsequently commercail divers cut out large openings in the bottom of the hull to allow access into the wreck. The image to the left shows one of these holes and a diver looking up to another diver hovering above. Strong currents are often experienced at this sight and it is highly recommended that if diving from a recreational boat that a person must remain on board. It takes approximatley 25 - 30 minutes to reach the wreck from Mindarie Key Marina and can be a difficult to locate even with GPS coordinates. The wreck runs East to West. Top is around 26 meters.
There is also an information plaque on the site poitioned on the North Eastern exterior of the wreck.
|

When : Monthly See calandar
Where : Mindarie Marina
Cost: $75.00 for Double Dive.
See Calendar for dates of the next trip or call the shop for more information. |