SYDNEY, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Ex-Australian Navy ship, the HMAS Tobruk, was deliberately sunk off the country's northeast coast on Friday, with plans for it to become an artificial reef to attract tourists and scuba divers.
The ship was flooded with water via pneumatic valves and will sit on the ocean floor in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
"This unique dive site will appeal to divers of all levels and ability," Queensland state Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said.
"It is expected that divers will be able to dive the site within approximately one month, depending on safety inspections and mooring installations."
Holes have been cut in the ship to provide access for divers with the upper rear decks of the ship sitting in water around 18 meters deep, while the internal tank deck will be around 25 meter deep.
The wreck will become inhabited by marine life such as sea anemones, reef fish, octopus and rays, making it a significant international tourist attraction.
At 127 meter long, The HMAS Tobruk was a landing ship of the Australian Navy that was launched in 1980 and served for 34-years, sailing over 1.09 million miles and deploying on 26 major operations.
Manager of Birdon Disposals, the company hired to scuttle the ship, Trent Raines said "four of the local staff we employed to help dismantle the ship had actually served on ex-HMAS Tobruk while she was in action."
"For them, having the opportunity to prepare the ship for her final purpose meant a lot, and they were able to say goodbye to a ship that they spent so much time on during their service."?