SANKO HARVEST (1991)
Esperance, Western Australia
Bulk carrier
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1985, Panama
Sank:
1991, hit Harvest Reef
Length:
167.6 metres (550’)
Beam:
27 metres (89’)
Displacement:
33,024 tons
Speed:
15.8 knots
Crew:
20
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
When the bulk carrier Sanko Harvest struck Harvest Reef near Esperance in 1991, a near environmental disaster became a goliath windfall for scuba divers.
Sanko Harvest is the biggest shipwreck dive in Australia and claims to be the second biggest in the world after the President Coolidge in Vanuatu.
It is simply huge!
The wreck site is protected by a No Fishing Zone and as a result, it is home to an enormous array fish including blue groper, Queen snapper, red snapper, harlequin fish, Port Jackson sharks, blue devil fish, and even the rare leafy seadragon!
Kelp and other southern marine plants cover the wreck, as well as an amazing array of invertebrate life including sea tulips, hard and soft corals, and sea stars.
Sanko Harvest is also one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (1.5 hours)
Depth:
18 – 40 metres (60-130’)
Visibility:
20 – 40 metres(65-130’)
Water temperature:
16 – 21°C (61-70°F)
Seasonal:
No, but March to May best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Esperance Jetty (also at night), Lapwing wreck, Tanker Jetty and dozens of off-shore islands.
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
ESPERANCE DIVING & FISHING
72 The Esplanade
Esperance WA 6450
+61 (8) 9071 5111
info@esperancedivingandfishing.com.au
www.esperancedivingandfishing.com.au
PERTH SCUBA
4/180 Bannister Road
Canning Vale WA 6155
+61 (8) 9455 4448
info@perthscuba.com
www.perthscuba.com
SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off gear hire or $30 off for a Blue Destiny double dive
To redeem: Email info@perthscuba.com & quote 50 Great Dives
OTHER SERVICES
Need somewhere to eat, drink or stay?
THE PIER HOTEL
47 The Esplanade
Esperance WA 6450
+61 (8) 9071 1777
accounts@pierhotel.net.au
www.thepierhotelesperance.com
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Western Australia
Nearest City:
Perth
Nearest Regional City:
Kalgoorlie
Nearest Town:
Esperance
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Perth
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Esperance
Road:
Perth to Esperance:
Just under 8 hours (720 km/450 mi) via State Route 40 and National Route 1
Bus:
From Perth
Train:
Not available
