The world's oceans hold millions of undiscovered wrecks, and with advances in technology that allow us to dive deeper with greater safety than ever before, along with such marvels as side scan sonar and other technology that helps make finding new wreck sites easier, some incredible gems are being revealed. The Wreck of the MV Fairwind is one of these amazing discoveries.
The Discovery of the Fairwind
Led by Damien Siviero, a team of intrepid Australian technical divers located an enormous, untouched wreck - the Fairwind. Lost off the coast of New South Wales in 1950, with seventeen taken to their deaths in the sinking, which took place during a cyclone, the 37-meter long wreck lies 87 meters beneath the surface, with her fore and aft kingposts accessible at a depth of 72 meters. Mostly intact, the ship is located off South West Rocks about a six hour drive from Sydney, and is sitting upright.
On the first dive to the wreck, which took place in 2009, the explorers were welcomed by a clear run to the bottom, with 100 foot visibility and only a mild current. The wreck was visible from a good distance above it, with the king posts looking like field goal posts on a football field, and the crew had been granted the good fortune of the captain hooking right onto the wreck, which has been compared with the maru-style ships of Truk Lagoon.
Features of the Fairwind
The warm, calm, clear conditions that greeted the team of divers who discovered this incredible wreck is something few experience.
The ship's bow is intact, as are the massive rudder and the twin props; but the rear bridge and superstructure have collapsed inward, revealing a jumble of artifacts including cooking implements and a stack of batteries much like auto batteries, which illustrate the fact that the ship was powered by diesel engines.
In the central hold, there is a large open section that backs into an open passageway that leads further aft; the passageway is tight though, and while penetration may be possible; it is dangerous.
As you explore this wreck, use caution. Locals have been fishing it for years, and there are kevlar traces that pose an entanglement hazard; even with a sharp knife, they're difficult to cut. In addition, an unpredictable three to four knot current often washes the site and has caused several dives to be called off.
While the wreck itself is impressive, so is the marine life. The ship's hull is still bare in many areas, but there is quite a lot of coral clinging to it, plus there are some nice-sized anemones. Game fish cruise around the wreck in an endless swirl of motion, and on days when the weather and sea conditions are cooperative, the Fairwind is an outstanding subject for photography. Difficult to reach and requiring extensive planning and preparation beforehand, this incredible wreck is one that will haunt your memory for years to come.