Meet the site
The HA Lumb is a small steel tug with a long history. According to the Marine Life Network she was built in 1943 by the Decatur Iron and Steel Company of Alabama for the US Navy, about 24 m (78 ft) long, and later came to South Australia where she was converted to a fishing trawler at Port Lincoln. In 1994 the Dive Industry Association of SA prepared and scuttled her off Port Noarlunga as a purpose-built dive site, next to the existing Noarlunga Tyre Reef. She sits in about 20 m on a fine silty seabed. Holes were cut in the deck to allow safe, easy penetration, and the Federation notes these give straightforward access to the interior for trained divers. The hull is open but partly silt-filled, so fin technique matters. Thirty years of growth have covered the steel in sponges and ascidians, and the wreck is noted for its many nudibranchs. Leatherjackets, morwong and schools of small fish shelter around the hull, with fish numbers varying from dive to dive. The real appeal is the combination. The MV Seawolf lies only 15-20 m away, and the Noarlunga Tyre Reef spreads out alongside, so a single dive can take in two wrecks and an artificial reef, making the Noarlunga complex one of the best-value boat dives in Adelaide's south. The short 5-minute run from O'Sullivan Beach adds to its appeal. The Lumb suits Advanced divers wanting a small, manageable wreck with easy penetration, and nudibranch photographers. It is also a good step between shallow reef diving and the deeper Stanvac Barges or Hobart.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
HA Lumb Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Adelaide Metro. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is HA Lumb Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book HA Lumb Wreck through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Nudibranchs (many), leatherjackets, morwong, schools of small baitfish, bullseyes, old wives, boarfish, sponges, ascidians
Location
Former US Navy steel tug, later a Port Lincoln trawler, scuttled in 1994 in about 20 m roughly 50 m west of the Noarlunga Tyre Reef and 15-20 m from the MV Seawolf.
Facilities nearby
O'Sullivan Beach boat ramp (toilets, trailer park).
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.ausdfsa.netseawolves.org.auen.wikivoyage.orgdivedb.netRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.