Meet the site
The South Tomi has one of the best back-stories of any Australian dive wreck. In 2001 the Togo-flagged longliner was caught fishing illegally for Patagonian toothfish in Australia's sub-Antarctic waters near Heard Island, and fled. The Australian patrol vessel Southern Supporter, later joined by the navy and South African vessels, chased her for about 14 days and more than 6,000 km across the Southern Ocean – one of the longest pursuits in the Royal Australian Navy's history – before she was boarded some 300 nautical miles off South Africa. Her illegal catch was worth more than $1 million. The confiscated vessel was later handed to Geraldton and scuttled as a dive attraction in 2004.
The ship is about 57-60 m long and sits upright on sand in 25 m on a south-west to north-east axis, with the top of her structure at about 14 m. She was prepared for divers with open access panels on each level along her length, and the wheelhouse was removed so that divers can reach the engine room with natural light filtering in. Marine Life Network describes the steel as slowly being carpeted in invertebrate life, with abundant fish – schools of baitfish, yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, dhufish, buffalo bream and pink snapper, with turtles and rays passing by.
The wreck's main limitations are Geraldton's wind and the variable visibility, which ranges from 2 to 10 m. There is no longer a mooring, so dives must be self-organised or arranged through the local dive shop, which has not always had a boat available. For Advanced Open Water divers who get a calm morning, it is a substantial, intact steel wreck with good penetration options and a story worth telling.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Tomi Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 South Tomi 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 South Tomi 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
Yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, WA dhufish, buffalo bream, pink snapper, baitfish schools, turtles, rays, invertebrate growth (sponges, ascidians, soft corals)
Location
Former illegal toothfish poaching vessel, purpose-sunk in 2004 as a dive wreck, sitting upright in 25 m about 3 nautical miles off the Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton.
Facilities nearby
Batavia Coast Marina and Geraldton harbour ramps (parking, toilets); air and hire at Batavia Coast Dive & Watersports.
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
divingwawrecks.commarinelife.org.auaustraliascoralcoast.comwatravel.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.