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HTMS Sattakut Wreck Dive Koh Tao Thailand
Koh Tao's Largest Artificial Reef With Guns!
Koh Tao’s premier Wreck dive, “Sattakut” is now the largest Artificial Reef Wreck Dive For Koh Tao. HTMS Sattakut (LCI [Landing Craft Infantry] – 742) has become one of top wreck dives in Thailand and is one of the Koh Tao Dives Sites that is visited daily.
Into The Past - History
This ex US World War II Navy vessel (formerly known as the USS LCI (M)-739) was commissioned into the Royal Thai Navy in 1947 where it served until it was decommissioned in 2007. As a US Navy ship it took part in The Battle of Iwo Jima – one of the fiercest and most strategic battles between the USA and Japan during World War II.A Costly Mistake
If At First You Dont Succeed...
On the 18th June 2011 after months of preparing and stripping the vessel of all toxins and hazardous materials, the Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources prepared purpose-sank the ship right next to Koh Tao Islands in the Surat Thani province of Thailand.
The first attempt of Sinking did not go as planned. After many hours of waiting, a small storm and some choppy waves the Sattakut found her final resting place on the sea bed but unfortunately on her side! At the beginning of August 2011, a salvage team successfully up-righted and moved the wreck to its current position which is south of another Koh Tao Dive Site Hin Pee Wee.
Check Out This Amazing HTMS Sattakut Video From Master Divers Koh Tao!
The Diversity Grows
Koh Tao is home to many artificial reefs which aid in Marine conservation. An artificial reef is classified as any human-made underwater structure, typically built to attract marine life in a chosen area. – Within the 1st year alone thousands of fish and different kinds of sea life have made HTMS Sattakut their home. All around the wreck’s structure you can see varieties of algae and invertebrates. The colonization of the wreck happened much faster than many had anticipated, and it continues to thrive and grow. Day by day this wreck dive site becomes more diverse and interesting.HTMS Sattakut Wreck - Facts
TYPE:: LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) Ship
CONSTRUCTION::30/01/1944 –Build @ Commercial Iron Works, PDX, USA
NAME::Formerly USS LCI(M)-739)
PURPOSE::Warcraft built for efforts during WWII
FEATURES::large 76mm/50 Mk 22 DP gun at the Bow
FEATURES::40mm/60 Bofors Mk III cannon at the Stern
STATUS::Recreation dive site / artificial reef
REPUTATION:: Largest Artificial Reef for Scuba Diving In Koh Tao
POSITION & DEPTH:: Sitting perfect on her hull upright in 30m
Aquatic Life Thriving With HTMS Sattakut
Currently HTMS Sattakut is home to a lot of aquatic life. Large schools of Fusilier, juvenile Yellowtail Barracuda, and Wrasse can be found here regularly. As you peep inside the portholes and various room openings you’ll witness giant Groupers, Rabbit fish, larger snapper hanging out with the occasional Moray Eels and small Blennies hiding amongst the small holes of the structure.As you swim around the wreck itself, often you encounter Trevally. If you know where to look a huge Jenkins Whipray can be seen hiding out under the wreck itself and from time to time the occasional Grey Reef Shark, Great Barracuda, a large Starry Puffer fish are seen here.
The Macro Life scene is also growing well at this dive site. Flatworms and Nudibranchs are getting more and more popular and even a pair of Robust Ghost Pipefish have been spotted!
Here's a Selection Of Our Underwater Photography
From Diving HTMS Sattakut, Enjoy!
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- The HTMS Sattakut Bow
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- HTMS Sattakut Rear
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- HTMS Sattakut Bow Gun Close Up
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- Aaron @ HTMS Sattakut Bow Gun
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- HTMS Sattakut Forward Bow
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- HTMS Sattakut Midships
More Info on Koh Tao Diving Here also see The HTMS Sattakut Featured in Adam Leaders "The Sailor's Angel"
