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The Empire Gladstone

Wrecked on the night of September 5th 1950, the ship measured 135 metres long and weighed over 7000 tonnes. She now lies in 10 metres of water just off Merimbula. Though mostly collapsed you are still able to swim through the drive shaft passage and explore around the wreckage which has turned into a spectacular artificial reef attracting a prolific and diverse amount of marine life.

Because the wreck lies in shallow water, it is best to dive this site early, on calm days to avoid having to contend with 'surgey' conditions. It is best reached by boat from Merimbula, but it is possible to snorkel or swim out along the rocks from Haycock Point to the wreck site (although it is several hundred metres from the entry point).

click here for a detailed history of the ship from Michael McFayden