The Wreck

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A distinctive day-trip alternative
The King Cruiser, a converted car ferry built in Japan and then imported into Thailand about ten years ago. sunk on May 4. 1997. after striking Anemone Reef just east of Phuket. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured during the accident, and no noticeable damage occurred to the reef. What did happen was that all of a sudden. Phuket had it's first serious wreck dive.

The catamaran-style boat is over 85 meters long and came to rest at a perfect diving depth of 32 meters. It is possible to swim between the two pontoons just below the first deck. The car deck is at 25 meters, as is the >t engine room.

The passenger area, complete with a bar. restrooms. tables and chairs, and refrigerators, is at 18 meters, and moving up to 12 meters puts you into the wheel house and the captain's quarters. Finally, at seven meters are the smokestacks, a perfect place for the safety stop.

Although the wreck has only been underwater since May 1997. it already has attracted lots of marine life, including eels, crabs, and schools of fish. Its proximity to Shark Point ensures that it will be populated quickly. Since it's a steel vessel, it will be there for many years to come, and hopefully, eventually it will be covered with soft and hard corals.

The depths of the King Cruiser make for perfect multi-level air or Nitrox dives. Safe penetrations of the wreck can be done by qualified divers. Its position close to Shark Point make for easy day dives from Phuket or from Phi Phi Island.

How to get there: Day boats can be chartered or individually booked from most diving companies in Phuket or Phi Phi Island. Round-trip travel times are approximately three hours, and all day trips originating from Phuket area full day.