Meet the site
The Medkhanun 3 is a steel fishing vessel of 25-30 m that was apprehended for illegally fishing in Northern Territory waters and forfeited. Instead of being broken up, it was cleaned with funding from ConocoPhillips through the Darwin Amateur Fishermen's Association and scuttled to extend the existing reef formed by the refugee boats. Between 1976 and 1981 more than 50 boats carrying Vietnamese refugees reached Australia's northern coast, most of them arriving in Darwin Harbour. Several of the steel boats were later cleaned and scuttled west of Cullen Bay together with a redundant construction barge to create a fishing and diving reef, and the site was extended in later years with a confiscated illegal fishing boat. The group sits in 20-25 m within a few hundred metres, and some operators have linked the wrecks with rope so that more than one can be visited on a dive.
The Medkhanun lies intact on its port side in about 18-20 m, making it the shallowest of the group. Because it is the most recent addition, the structure is still sharp and recognisable: open forward holds that can be viewed with a torch, a wheelhouse and crew quarters that can be looked into through the doors and windows, and deck fittings still in place. Silt has settled thickly inside and can reduce visibility to virtually nothing if disturbed, so it is a wreck to observe from outside. Fish colonised it quickly, and NT Fisheries lists jewfish, snapper, cod and Spanish flag here. It offers a good contrast with the older, heavily encrusted refugee boats nearby and is a sensible second dive after one of the deeper wrecks in the complex.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Medkhanun 3 is recorded as Wreck in Darwin Harbour. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Medkhanun 3 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 Medkhanun 3 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
Black jewfish, golden snapper, estuary cod, Spanish flag, batfish, trevally, developing sponge and coral growth
Location
Outer Darwin Harbour west of Cullen Bay, a short distance south-east of the Song Saigon, Ham Luong and John Holland Barge.
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
nt.gov.audsac.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.