SBLT Nick Titheridge in the main aquarium at AQWA. Photo by ABPH Phil Cullinan.

L to R: Dive Master Matt Tindle, POB Andrew Clarke, LSCIS Gavin Cowie and SBLT Nick Titheridge. Photo By ABPH Phil Cullinan

By LS Rachel Irving

Ship’s company from HMAS Westralia (CMDR John Alexander) and their families got up close and personal with the ocean this month as guests of the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA).

Eighty four people took up AQWA’s invitation to spend the day at the aquarium - a show of appreciation for Westralia’s assistance in relocating 12 baby loggerhead turtles earlier this year (Navy News February 13, 2003).

When the turtles had washed up onto Perth beaches, they were taken to AQWA, who cared for them until they were strong enough for the trip north.

When Westralia deployed in January, she took the turtles in her makeshift swimming pool and released them in the warmer waters of northwest WA.

At AQWA, three members of the ship’s company were given the opportunity to dive in the main aquarium with sharks, turtles, fish and other marine life.

SBLT Nick Titheridge, POB Andrew Clarke and LSCIS Gavin Cowie, all experienced divers, were guided around the tank by dive master Mr Matt Tindle.

Mr Tindle is AQWA’s assistant curator, looking after the aquarium’s tanks and animals.

On leaving the tank, PO Clarke said he was “very excited”.

“It was awesome, though it was really hard to try and take everything in,” he said.

“Just seeing all the fish you’ve caught over the years swimming past you, and having the sharks and rays so close to you that you could almost touch them - it was just incredible.”


The three divers caught the attention of the crowds inside the walkway of the aquarium, as well as the local media, featuring on television that night.

Westralia presented AQWA with a ship’s plaque, cementing a firm relationship between the two.

More northbound Navy ships are expected in the future to carry turtles to warmer waters where chances of survival are much higher.

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