The Japanese owned Sanko Harvest bulk carrier hit the Recherché Archipelago Thursday 14/2/1991.The Sanko Harvest had an overall length of 174 meters and a bean of 27m and was carrying fertilizer worth $10.5 million in five holds. It also had on board 570 tonnes of bunker fuel and 74 tonnes of diesel fuel. The first report from the salvage operator was that the Sanko could be saved. However, the weather deteriorated and the ship moved further onto the rocks and subsequently several holds were split and oil began to spill into the ocean. Due to the severe weather authorities would not allow clean-up vessels into the area. On Sunday the Sanko Harvest sunk opening up other holds and all the cargo was lost.

It is generally accepted that Mr. Kim is solely responsible for the disaster as he should never have attempted to traverse the Archipelago at night. The route he chose to take was not a normal shipping route.

To read the the full story surrounding this environmental disaster click here "THE FULL STORY".

What was originally seen as an environmental disaster turned out to be a major windfall for the diving fraternity. The second largest wreck dive in the world and the largest off the Australian coast this 174 meter long Japanese Bulk Carrier now acts as host to a vast array of marine creatures.

The ocean has taken its toll and the wreck has divided into three sections. The depths vary between 13 and 44 meters of water. Officially declared a marine sanctuary in 1994 the wreck acts as a safe haven for the large blue groper and red snapper that inhabit the twisted remains. It is not uncommon to have a visit from an inquisitive seal or dolphin.

While this would have to be one of the great wreck dives along our coast it unfortunately lies in the southern ocean and exposed to the relentless winds and swells. As a result the best time to dive and improve the likely hood of getting to the wreck is during April when winds tend to be lighter.

The effort is well worth it enabling a wreck dive comparable to anything else in the world in reasonable depths that can be reached by recreational diveable depths

.

The trip has been normally on the Easter long weekend due to the reasonable distance to travel and planned over two days to enable us a better chance to get onto the wreck. The Trip is organized to included wreck diver training prior and during the trip.

THE TRIP INCLUDES :

• Charter fees
• Wreck Diver training
• Supervision by a Qualified wreck diving / Overhead environment instructor
• Additional two wreck training dives
• Pool session and theory training
• Enriched air fills will be available for suitably trained divers.
• Use of twin cylinders and Technical BCD
• Lunch on the boat
• Two dives on the Sanko Harvest with a further option to do two local dives
• Air fills

 

Layout of the wreck

 

it is usual for groups to car pool for the 7 hour drive from Perth to Esperance. Flights on Sky west Airlines or Bus charters are also available to Esperance.

For a location map see the following site :http://www.wilmap.com.au/ausmaps/ae11.html

All technical dive gear is supplied including dive reels and lift bags. Divers will need to supply all other equipment. many issues will be resolved during an information night held prior to departure.

Students will need clothes including some warm attire. Footwear, sun screen hats glasses and toiletries.

 

Booking can be made with a $100.00 deposit. On receipt of your deposit PADI Wreck diver manuals and information sheet will then be issued. Balance of the trip Fees is required to be paid 30 days prior the the departure date. You can either drop into the shop or give us your credit card details over the phone and an information sheet can be mailed out to you.

Information Night is usually planned one week prior to departure.