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Diving the HTMS Sattakut Shipwreck

Over the years, the Royal Thai Navy has donated decommissioned and inoperative vessels for intentional scuttling to create artificial underwater reef systems.

This segment contains interesting and helpful information for scuba divers heading to the HTMS Sattakut dive site situated around two kilometres off the west coast of Koh Tao.

Sinking of Sattakut Wreck Koh Tao Thailand

The original construction of the USS LCI(L)-739 (Landing Craft Infantry 'Large') took place in Portland, Oregon in 1944.

Yet, the final resting place for HTMS Sattakut is the west of Koh Tao, an island in the lower Gulf of Thailand.

Here's the thing:

This area is a mecca for recreational scuba divers. It hosts some of the best diving destinations in Thailand.

The Sattakut wreck was sunk "intentionally" on the 18th of June 2011.

Pro Tip: There are several benefits of artificial reefs, including a significant increase in revenue from scuba diving tourism.

HTMS Sattakut Dive Site Facts

Average Depth: Eighteen (18) metres
Maximum Depth: Thirty (30) metres
Minimum Scuba Training: Advanced Open Water and Wreck Diver (recommended)
Ship Length: Forty eight (48) metres
Ship Width (beam): Seven (7) metres
Underwater Visibility: Ten (10) metres (average)
Water Currents: Moderate to strong
Unusual Hazards: Sharp metal, cramped doorways, different types of scorpion fish, water thermoclines (below 25 metres).

Pro Tip: Check out our sea life section for interesting facts about whale sharks that tend to make an appearance around the islands near Koh Tao during the months of April and May.

Marine Life at Sattakut WWII Shipwreck

Coral reef snakes
Durban dancing shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis)
Fusilier fish (Caesionidae)
Giant groupers
Harry hotlips (Plectorhinchus gibbosus)
Indian glassy fish (Parambassis ranga)
Jenkins' whipray (Pateobatis jenkinsii)
One-spot snapper (Lutjanus monostigma)
Yellowtail barracuda (Sphyraena flavicauda)

Pro Tip: Another segment contains a list of the best places to dive with sea snakes and kraits, including India and the Philippines.

Navigating the Sunken Ship

A 20-minute boat journey from the main pier will put you directly above the location of the Sattakut dive site. The sunken wreckage has already been cleared of any major hazards, such as fuel and armaments.

The wreck's close proximity to Hin Pee Wee pinnacles helps to encourage new coral growth and establish emerging habitats for native fish families. There are several unique military features still intact.

For example:

You should find remnants of a 76mm/50 mk 22 dp Sattakut gun around 16 metres below - if you descend the bow line.

The menacing looking gun sits on the ship's raised platform at the stern (front of the vessel). The conning tower is roughly mid-ships and approximately thirty (30) metres from the bow on the main deck.

The tower and the pilot house are good landmarks to note when diving along the wreck. Nearer to the stern, you'll see the 40mm 160 Bofors Mk III canon - fantastic for taking underwater photos.

Going Inside HTMS Sattakut Wreck

The inner sections feature large open chambers and several unobstructed passageways. However, in the interest of diving safety protocols, most of the deeper areas are welded shut.

By and large, it doesn't take long for marine animals to find new habitats on sprawling underwater structures with lots of shelter.

Pro Tip: This Koh Tao wreck is a challenging dive for inexperienced scuba divers. Thus, use extra caution around the openings and entry ways.

Related Information and Help Guides

Pro Tip: This short clip [57 seconds] presented by "Black Turtle Dive" contains footage of HTMS Sattakut dive site in Koh Tao, Thailand.