The Wire

The retired navy ship HMAS Adelaide was scuttled off the NSW Central Coast today despite protests from environmental groups. The No Ship Action Group had made multiple attempts in court to stop the operation, saying the ship will cause environmental damage to the underwater area. But their protests made no difference and the ship was sunk today to create an artificial reef off the coast of Avoca Beach. The HMAS Adelaide is expected to become a large tourist destination as well as a learning resource for university students once it assimilates into the environment as an artificial reef.