MV KARMA (2003)
Bundaberg, Queensland
Self-propelled gravel barge
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
Unknown
Sank:
2002, ran aground
Length:
42 metres (228’)
Beam:
10 metres (36’)
Displacement:
Unknown
Speed:
Unknown
Crew:
Unknown
WARNING: Wrecks should not be penetrated without proper training & equipment!
NOTE: All wrecks and related artifacts older than 75 years in Australian waters are protected by the Australian Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. Nothing can be taken!
INFORMATION
In December 2002, MV Karma had an engine failure in rough conditions and ran aground on Wreck Rocks.
Then, whilst under tow to Bundaberg, Karma started taking on water and was cut loose just over 40 kilometres (22 nm) north Bundaberg.
She now lays upright on sand in a depth of 26 metres (85’) with the top of the wreck at 12 metres (40’).
Divers can safely explore the wreck’s double level superstructure, cabins, engine room and massive hold containing a crane boom.
As with all Queensland wrecks, MV Karma is a haven for marine life including invertebrates such as nudibranchs and octopus.
The wreck attracts large schools of pelagic fish such as giant trevally, black kingfish, snapper, eagle rays and the occasional mantra ray.
The structure also supports teems of reef fish, batfish, lionfish, coral trout, wobbegong sharks and massive Queensland groper.
A dive on the MV Karma will never disappoint!
Special thanks to Julian from Bundaberg Aqua Scuba
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver (Supervised Open Water Diver)
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (60 minutes)
Depth:
12 – 26 metres (40-85’)
Visibility:
8 – 25 metres (25-100’)
Water temperature:
20 – 29°C (68-84°F)
Seasonal:
No, but May & September best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Barjon Wreck, Evans Patch and Cochran Artificial Reef.
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
BUNDABERG AQUA SCUBA
Shop 2, 10 Walla Street
Bundaberg QLD 4670
+61 (7) 4153 5761
julian@aquascuba.com.au
www.aquascuba.com.au
TURTLE TOWN SCUBA
Shop 2, 3B Walker Street
Bundaberg QLD 4557
+61 (0) 419 292 398
info@turtletownscuba.com.au
www.turtletownscuba.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Brisbane
Nearest Regional City:
Bundaberg
Nearest Town:
Not relevant
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Brisbane
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Bundaberg
Road:
Brisbane to Bundaberg:
4.25 hours (370 km/230 mi) via National Highway A1 (M1 & Bruce Hwy)
Bus:
From Brisbane
Train:
From Brisbane
Ferry:
Not relevant
