Snorkellers called out over destructive act at shipwreck: 'Common sense'
Locals to Perth's Coogee Beach say they're fed up with reminding snorkellers to not sit, stand or jump off the Omeo shipwreck – a steamship that was driven ashore in 1905 and has since become a busy tourist attraction.
Videos and photos show swimmers standing on the wreck to take a break or adjust their masks. In a clip taken this week, a figure can be seen adjusting themselves on the edge of the Omeo. A startling photo from last year shows seven adults all standing in a group on the end of the wreck. In another video, a child stands on the wreck while his family snorkel nearby.
While it may appear harmless to some, under the surface the damage to the Omeo could be unrepairable.
"I'm here almost every day. And every day I see people standing on the wreck," a local woman wrote alongside her video. "I know it's a 'bang head against the wall' situation but what else can be done? One would think it's common sense."
Dr Ross Anderson, Curator of Maritime Heritage at the Western Australian Museum, told Yahoo News while one person alone might not cause much damage, 'hundreds of impacts over time will gradually cause long-term damage'.
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'People touching, standing on and physically impacting the wreck can damage the protective outer layers of marine concretion and attached marine life, leading to an increase in oxygen and corrosion of the wreck, or, in the worst cases, physical damage and breakage,' he said.
The City of Cockburn is said the wreck's 'fragile' environment is 'easily damaged by climbing, touching and misuse'. They're encouraging visitors to 'explore with their eyes, not their hands' and use flotation devices such as pool noodles and kickboards to avoid resting on the wreck.
'We appeal for trail visitors to 'Protect the Wreck' and take care of this historic site and all the sea life that have made it their home,' the City's Environmental Education Officer Vicky Hartill said.
'We've installed temporary 'responsible snorkelling' signage on the dive stairs and another portable sign displaying the same message will soon be placed out each weekend in the area, which has high pedestrian traffic.'
Late last year, a pontoon was installed offshore to give swimmers a place to rest instead of using the wreck, however it was removed after needing repairs. The council is aiming to have the pontoon back in place later this month.
The Omeo is protected by the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018, which could see fines or even jail terms handed down for those caught engaging in behaviour likely to damage the wreck.
'This is very much dependent on the severity of the offence,' Dr Anderson explained.
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