HMAS Canberra

HMAS Canberra was a County-class heavy cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy sunk on 9 August 1942 in the Battle of Savo Island — one of the worst naval defeats in Allied history. She rests in two separated sections in about 500 metres of water and is not diveable in her main sections; however, the Canberra diving area refers to the rich reef systems and debris field in the shallower fringe around the battle site at approximately 15 to 40 metres, where artefacts, shell casings, and encrusted metal fragments lie scattered across the reef slopes. The surrounding reef walls are smothered in large sea fans, black coral trees, and leather corals, and the area sees excellent pelagic action including dogtooth tuna and occasional thresher sharks. The site carries significant historical weight and is dived principally as a commemorative and reef experience.