KEY BISCAYNE (1983)
Lancelin, Western Australia
Non-propelled jack-up drilling rig
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1972, Singapore 1972
Sank:
1983, foundered in a storm
Length:
61.8 metres (203’)
Beam:
51.2 metres (168’)
Displacement:
2,695 tons
Speed:
Not applicable, under tow
Crew:
52
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
While undertow from Darwin to Fremantle, Key Biscayne, its two tow vessels and support vessel struck rough weather.
Key Biscayne sank after the tow line parted in gale force winds and heavy seas.
All 52 crew were rescued uninjured by helicopter.
The rig’s superstructure now sits upside down on sand in 42 metres (138’) of water with the top in 26 metres (85’).
The wreck supports a colourful array of invertebrate life including a huge population of western rock lobster (crayfish).
Large schools of pelagic fish such as trevally and Samson fish circle the wreckage with grey nurse sharks while Western Australian dhufish, snapper, Port Jackson sharks and many other fish reside amongst the wreckage and debris.
Key Biscayne is also one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Deep Diver
Snorkelling:
Too deep for both snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (1-1.5 hours)
Depth:
26 – 42 metres (85-140’)
Visibility:
10 – 30 metres (30-100’)
Water temperature:
18 – 24°C (64-75°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Lancelin Reef, Ledge Point, Cervantes, Jurien Bay and Yanchep Beach.
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
IMAGE DIVE & CHARTERS
Hillarys Boat Harbour
South Side Drive
Hillarys WA 6025
+61 (0) 417 957 870
luke@imagedive.com.au
www.imagedive.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
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Western Australia
Nearest City:
Perth
Nearest Town:
Lancelin
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Perth
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Perth
Road:
Perth to Lancelin:
1.5 hours (130 kms/80 mi) via State Route 60
Bus:
From Perth
