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King Cruiser Wreckbetween Phuket and Koh Phi-Phi Shipwreck GPS Locations N07.47.830, E09.83.889 Depth 32meters ; Suitable for air, nitrox, technical diving
Underwater picture (above) courtesy of Deep-Blue Divers http://www.deep-blue-divers.deDetails of sinkingThe King Cruiser sank on the 4th of May 1997 apparently miles off course after striking the popular Phuket dive site Anemone reef on it's way to Koh Phi-Phi from Phuket. So far was the vessel off course, and so in need of a decent wreck diving site was Phuket, that local diver joked that the captain took a massive bribe to slam the vessel into the reef. As seen by the picture above, no one got hurt during the sinking apart from the insurers. Specificationslength:- 85m, Vessel type:- Steel car and passenger ferry, Displacement 2,250 tons. A big one!
Wrecks details
This recent wreck lies upright on the sandy bottom and comes up to within 10m of the surface. It lies about 1.5hr offshore from Phuket and about 2hours from Krabi by the normal 'slow boat' trips, and is a popular destination for divers from both places. Though the wreck was almost completely intact after being release from the salvers, it is of low cost construction and deteriorating quickly. Barracudas and Whale-Sharks are often seen patrolling the wreck, with the usual large grouper and lionfish lurking in the darker more 'technical' penetration areas. The Big open passage ways, car deck, and bridge area are relatively safe penetration for all but the most muppety divers, but strong currents and rough seas due to it's exposed location, generally make this site more suitable for experienced recreational divers. Tech divers will find this a simple wreck to explore, and most techies I know have introduced their teenage children to the engine room... Latest Information Sep 2003 (Courtesy of Reef watch ) The main-deck level above the car deck has now partially collapsed, making penetration through this area more risky
GPS Location(Awaiting updated position) Last dived by:-Ivan Hiver at Lanta Divers Co +66 (0) 75 68 42 08 Big Ian at http://www.reefwatchworldwide.com/ Photographic Picture Sources and credits for this wreck courtesy of Reef watch Computer dive map graphic courtesy of Klaus & Mike Rode, Harry Barthel at the Dive Jobs bulletin board |
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