CEMENTCO (1986)
Moreton Bay, Queensland
Hopper barge
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1945, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia as Crusader (AV2767)
Sank:
1986, scuttled
Length:
61 metres (200’)
Beam:
15.2 metres (50’)
Displacement:
1,500 tons
Speed:
9 knots
Crew:
31
Passengers:
Nil
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
Cementco, originally Crusader (AV2767), was an amphibious operations support ship built for the Australian Army during the World War II.
At the time, she was the largest all-welded steel vessel to have been constructed in Australia.
After the Queensland Cement and Lime Company purchased her in 1947, she was modified, renamed and used as a coral barge able to carry up to 2,000 ton of coral that used in cement production.
She was retired in the mid-1980’s, renamed Crusader II and put up for sale.
Unable to be sold, the plan was to scuttle her off Moreton Island.
However, during the tow she developed a leak and sank prematurely in adverse weather about 400 meters (0.25 mi) northeast of Flinders Reef.
Cementco now sits upside down on sand in 25 metres (80’) of water supporting coral growth and other invertebrates, and is regularly visited by pelagic fish such as barracuda, mackerel and trevally.
The wreck also attracts large Queensland groper.
Special thanks to Steve Rosberg from Brisbane Scuba.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver (Supervised open water)
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (90 minutes)
Depth:
18 -27 metres (60-90’)
Visibility:
8 – 25 metres (25-80’)
Water temperature:
20 – 27°C (68-81°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Flinders Reef, Ex-HMAS Brisbane, Curtin Artificial Reef, Cherubs Cave, Manta Bommie and Tangalooma Wrecks.
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
BRISBANE SCUBA
Shed 5/578 Royal Esplanade
Manly QLD 4179
+61 (0) 418 736 738
info@brisbanescuba.au
www.brisbanescuba.au
SPECIAL OFFER: $25 Boat Dive Voucher
To redeem: Email info@brisbanescuba.au & quote 50 Great Dives
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Brisbane
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Brisbane
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Brisbane
