HTMS Mataphon Wreck Pattaya
The small vessel was slowly lowered by floating crane to the bottom of Pattaya's sea-bed on the morning of the 20th of October 2012 by the Thai Navy.
The location is facing Had Nuan Beach on the coral island of Koh Larn just a short boat trip from Pattaya Port.
This new ship wreck in Pattaya is smaller than the other two wrecks - The HTMS Khram and Kood - but it will give local scuba divers an alternative destination for wreck diving enthusiasts.
HTMS Mataphon Shallow Wreck Dive 2013
Having rested on the sea bed at 22 meters below the surface for one year, the HTMS Mataphon has become one of the most popular wreck dives in Pattaya for divers with limited experience of deep diving.
The top of the main deck and spinning gunner turrets can be dived by those with a certification to 18 meters. The wreck is often used by scuba instructors for advanced dive training for students who are practicing for the deeper wrecks in Pattaya.
The advantage of exploring this underwater ship is diver's extended bottom time in relation to other Pattaya wrecks.
The Mataphon is the smallest measuring 30 meters in length which means that most scuba wreck fanatics will get more than 40 minutes dive time.
Points of interest include crude Thai and western style toilets, the confined engine for exploration and large ammunition boxes surrounding the gunner turrets.
HTMS Mataphon Wreck Diving Facts
Best Dive Months: November to April
Average Depth: 12 meters
Maximum Depth: 22 meters
Visibility: 5 - 15 meters
Currents: Moderate
Hazards: None Noted
Marine Life: Barracuda, Batfish, Turtles, Stingrays (Myliobatiformes), Jacks, Fusiliers.
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