This is a comprehensive review of the HTMS Sattakut dive site wreck, Koh Tao, Thailand.HTMS Sattakut is a sunken naval warship in the Gulf of Thailand just a few minutes off the west coast of Koh Tao Thailand. It is a new, but fast-developing dive site, which is home to thousands of fish, invertebrates and marine reptiles.

• Convenient location
• Suitable for all levels of diver
• Tech divers and those training can penetrate
• Constantly improving marine life

The dive site is useful for regular diving (PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water Diver - around the wreck) as well as technical wreck diving (through specific parts of the wreck).

Its location, both underwater and from a nearby dive resort beach area, make it one of Koh Tao's more convenient dive sites as well as an interesting and colourful one. It is a recent and excellent addition to the Koh Tao diving industry. To better understand its location next to Hin Pee Wee, have a quick glance at any Koh Tao map which includes the islands many exciting dive sites. For a better look at the wreck, watch either of the great videoshere on this page.

The vessel was built for, and owned by, The United States of America in the middle of the 20th century and used as a warship in World War II. Two years after the end of the war (1947) the ship was commissioned to the Thai Royal Navy and served for 60 years until 2007, when it was decommissioned at the end of its illustrious service. After an extensive cleaning program, to remove any toxins which could be harmful to marine life and anything else which could be put to good use elsewhere, the ship was purposely sunk in June 2011 in order to provide the people of Koh Tao Thailand with an extra scuba diving site. Not only does it act as a new type of dive site for Koh Tao, but also helps to alleviate the quantity of divers on other Koh Tao dive sites.

A quick glance at any Koh Tao map will show that just off the main beach (Sairee Beach) on the west side of Koh Tao Thailand is a popular dive site known by the name of Hin Pee Wee. HTMS Sattakut is just thirty or so metres to the south of here. It is an artificial reef, but in the short time since its sinking has attracted a huge amount and diversity of marine life. Corals, anemones and other motionless creatures attach themselves to the metal structure and were soon followed by crustaceans, mollusks and fish. Every day sees an increase in the population of animals that call this wonderful underwater monument home, as well as those who pass by or visit.

 

The vessel's sinking didn't go quite according to plan, as it was supposed to have sat upright on the seabed but instead fell over to one side. Nevertheless, a salvage company came along soon after and righted it to an upright stance/position. As mentioned before, there are several swimthroughs, for example the cabins and recreation areas for the crew. These are only for divers qualified for wreck diving, or those taking part in that speciality course. The entrances are clearly labelled 'Wreck diving only' and there are strings/cords/ropes for divers to follow once inside. Divers whose levels are PADI Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water diver, or PADI Advanced Open Water Diver are still able to enjoy this wreck dive, but must not enter the restricted areas. This is purely for their own safety.

Depending on the time of day, season, and weather and sea conditions, divers can expect differences in colour and visibility at the wreck here in Koh Tao Thailand. The wreck should be easy enough to spot, even from the surface sometimes, as it is very large and not too deep. The ship is approximately 50 metres long and 7 metres wide. The sea floor is 30 metres deep here, and that is obviously where the ship's hull sits. At its highest point, it's only about 17 metres from the surface. This is the main gun on the ship's bow's raised gun platform. On a day with low visibility, divers will need to descend a little before sighting the wreck. There is at least one buoy line which can be used for descent to the wreck and for safety stops in currents. Nobody can control the weather or sea conditions, so to choose the best time to dive this wreck, it's best to enquire at your scuba diving centre or dive resort.

On the subject of which resort Koh Tao has to offer that might be best for each individual, there are several options and different levels of price and luxury. Unlike most other locations in Thailand, Koh Tao's diving industry mixes accommodation with diving in great-value packages. Before making a decision, people should study a Koh Tao map to have a good idea of where particular beaches, roads and resorts are located. When choosing a dive resort on Koh Tao it's a good idea to do a little research and try to discover which offers good friendly advice and service at the best price. Resorts such as Simple Life Divers at Sairee Beach are an excellent balance of size – offering good facilities and a personal service. They are also very close to HTMS Sattakut wreck, Hin Pee Wee and other dive sites on the west coast of Koh Tao Thailand.

 

Please feel free to comment on the HTMS Sattakut dive site itself, or our Sattakut dive site review. This goes for any Koh Tao dive site. We love feedback and don't mind being told that we've got something wrong. Obviously, it's impossible to keep all the dive site information up to date at all times. In a perfect world, divers would report the day's or week's diving experiences here, or on our forum, thus giving much more accurate, up to date, and community-based information for this, and all the other dives site reviews of Thailand.