Tech Divers Spot Unique Walking Fish at Tasman Wreck

Technical divers exploring an ancient 19th-century shipwreck near Tasmania encountered several instances of a rare, endangered fish previously seldom observed.

The pink handfish, distinguished as one of the 14 identified handfish species near the southern Australian island-state, uniquely ‘walks’ across the ocean floor with its pectoral fins, eschewing traditional swimming.

The exploration team, comprising divers James Parkinson, Brad Turner, and Bob Van Der Velde from the Eaglehawk Dive Centre and Scuba Diving Tasmania, organized this particular wreck dive as a part of a commemorative series of dives to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Tasman’s sinking.

The Tasmanian Steam Shipping Company used the schooner-rigged 64-meter steamship, built in Glasgow in 1873, to carry passengers, mail, and cargo between Sydney and Hobart, Tasmania’s capital.

On November 30, 1883, the Tasman met its demise, sinking within 15 minutes after colliding with an uncharted reef. Fortunately, all 29 individuals on board were able to reach safety using the lifeboats.

Discovered only in 1998, the fragmented remains of the wreck lie 70 meters deep, southwest of Little Hippolyte Rock. In a region known for its strong currents, the site is a magnet for various fish species. Recently, it appears to have become a sanctuary for the benthic pink handfish (Brachiopsilus dianthus).

Brad, known for his sharp observation skills. Noticed the small fish amidst the Tasman’s scattered debris, recounted Parkinson from the Eaglehawk Dive Centre. He mentioned that during a subsequent dive. They encountered two more of these seldom-seen fish, which are part of the anglerfish family.

He said divers had observed the pink handfish on only three other occasions.” “This is the first video and photos taken by divers of the fish in its natural environment.”

The mixed-gas divers managed to spend 25 minutes exploring the wreck, which Parkinson highlighted as being vibrantly colorful and offering a spectacular diving experience with often excellent visibility.

He observed that various relics such as brass portholes, bottles, and plates strewn across the wreck enhance the overall diving experience. Additionally, the Maritime Museum Tasmania in Hobart displays some artifacts from the Tasman.

Marine biologists have only recently determined that the rare sightings of the pink handfish are likely due to its preference for avoiding shallow waters. This species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

In 2021, a team from the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) recorded the first video footage of a pink handfish. At a depth of 150 meters in the Commonwealth Tas Fracture using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The species has also been observed in the deep Huon marine reserve. IMAS Associate Professor Neville Barrett remarked that the recent dive discoveries offer hope that the pink handfish might find refuge in deeper, cooler waters, which could be crucial for their survival amidst the warming of Tasmania’s coastal waters. He described the discovery at the Tasman wreck as “remarkable and extremely valuable.”

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