Southern Discovery update

The Southern Discovery observatory in Milford Sound has been safely towed to shallow waters where it will undergo repairs after being damaged in a storm.

The visitor section of the Underwater Observatory building in Harrison’s Cove was reported as partially underwater when a pontoon was storm-damaged at the start of September.

The building was immediately secured and steps taken to ensure against any potential oil spill.

Closer inspection revealed three of five pontoon buildings had been damaged.

The recovery was a delicate operation – acknowledging both the remote location, the sensitivity of the area, and ongoing weather events in September which restricted access to Milford Sound.

All three damaged pontoon buildings were refloated, and safely towed across the sound late last week. They have been secured ashore at Deepwater Basin where deconstruction and removal from Milford Sound will take place.

Southland harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said New Zealand Dive and Salvage had done a good job managing the recovery and keeping all parties informed of progress.