Today marks the start of the countdown to the ex HMAS Adelaide finally resting off the Central Coast as an artificial reef for divers to explore.

We were sitting approximately three kilometres offshore when we saw her turn towards us.

The Adelaide loomed like a grey ghost out of the early morning mist.

As she approached our position, the sun began to break through the mist and with a brilliant golden tan provided by the early morning sun- the Adelaide loomed over us like the giant graceful ship she is.The first thing noticeable was the absence of the white ensign. Naval vessels fly the white ensign- In its place, the Adelaide was flying the Australian flag.

I then scanned the vessels upper superstructure for the ships crest generally found above the vessel name plate that also, was gone.

This then brought the actual realisation this was a ship stripped of her name, stripped of her crest, her flag and soon to be stripped of her ornaments then cut up and sunk. Would this be a fitting end for this grand old lady?

Firstly, she will become a haven for a multitude of juvenile fish life.

Secondly, a hideout for larger fish that would become their new home.

Thirdly, the vessel will become an object of beauty for divers to admire, firstly as a grey wall of steel, then as a fantastic maze for divers to discover every nook and cranny of the Adelaide.

The HMAS Adelaide had a very illustrious past, now she will have a more majestic future as an artificial reef that will keep on producing for future generations to enjoy.

Pretty soon, we will be able to offer wreck dives to the ex HMAS Adelaide, there are quite a few wrecks along the Central Coast, but the Adelaide will become the premier wreck dive along the NSW coastline.

Bookmark this page and come back for regular updates.