Tasmanian government declines offer of decommissioned RAN frigate

The Tasmanian Government has decided not to accept the Australian Government’s offer of the decommissioned Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate ex-HMAS Darwin for scuttling off the East Coast.

Tasmania’s Department of State Growth has stated it would cost in excess of A$12 million (US$8.54 million) to prepare and establish ex-HMAS Darwin as a dive wreck.

Additionally, the department has found there are further ongoing costs, approximately A$600,000 (US$430,000) per annum, to monitor and manage the dive wreck site that would not be covered by dive receipt permits.