Wreck of The Tasman Hauler, Eden NSW

WRECK NAME:	Tasman Hauler
SHIP TYPE:	Tug	SANK IN:	1988
LOCATION:	Eden	CONSTRUCTION:	Steel
TRAVEL TIME:	15 Minutes	DIVE RATING:	Advanced
MAX DEPTH:	30 Metres	AVG DEPTH:	19 Metres
AVERAGE VIZ:	12 Metres	ACCESS VIA:	BOAT

On 6 July 1988, the Tasman Hauler was stranded on rocks at Twofold Bay (presumably after dragging or breaking its mooring). She was re-floated and was soon after declared a total loss.

Tasman Hauler docked

 The Tasman Hauler and Henry Bolte were purchased by the then Eden dive operator, Gary Becus, for $1 each.  On 1 October 1988, he sank the Tasman Hauler and around the same time the Henry Bolte just south of Red Point off Ben Boyd National Park to start artificial reefs and to provide alternate wreck dives for his divers. Located only a few hundred metres apart, it is less than a 10 minute run south from Eden across Twofold Bay to either tug.

Tasman Hauler on a slipway

 The above information taken from various sources (mostly Michale McFadyen's website)

We stayed with Merimbula Divers Lodge who I can highly recommend. The accommodation was "cosy" with 4 bunks to a room and 2 rooms to a unit but it was very clean and well maintained.

Jane in between dives

The boat trip out from Eden Wharf is about 10 minutes (provided by Merimbula Divers Lodge) and was quite bouncy but not overly unpleasant.

Jamie, Lin, Jen and James on board the ScubaPro inflatable

 The wreck is pretty much still in tact (apart from some handrail on the top - but I'll leave that between myself, Jane, Kellie and Ben)

Jane on the main deck looking through a porthole

 I think Jane experienced her first bout of Nitrogen Narcosis without realising it. At Oak Park or Bare Island in 8M of water she likes to stick very close to me. I often feel here holding onto my BCD or arm.

Jane relaxing on the rear deck

 At 30M she was very relaxed and wanted to explore the vessel with an more adventurous nature than at 8M.

Jane posing on the propeller drive shaft next to the shroud

 The Tasman Hauler's propeller  is surrounded by a shroud that directs the thrust as the prop itself swivels so there is no need for a rudder.

A more relaxed Jane than usual @ 30M

This is a great wreck dive and the visibility was about 15M which I believe ids about average in this part of the world. It is not too difficult as it was scuttled with divers in mind so most hazards have been removed. After the HMAS Adelaide this would be one of the most complete wreck dives in NSW in my opinion.

Jane at the propeller of the Tasman Hauler (~30M deep)

It was a great trip with a great group of people. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who hasn't yet explored the magical dives of the South Coast.