Deep Wreck Expeditions in the Gulf of Thailand: Exploring the Unknown

a boat with a flag on the water

Deep Wreck Expeditions in the Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand is a treasure trove for technical wreck divers, with over 300 marked GPS locations for potential wrecks. As an experienced technical diver with a passion for exploration, my recent expedition aimed to uncover the mysteries lying beneath these waters. On October 9th 2022, our team embarked on a 420-nautical mile journey across the Gulf, stopping to investigate key wrecks along the way using only CCR setups—a testament to the deep technical nature of the dives ahead.

The Team and Setup

This journey was no ordinary dive trip. We were fully equipped for advanced technical diving, with a range of CCR setups including 2x FLEX 2, 1x T-REB , and 1x JJ units. This allowed us to extend our bottom times and make the most of the exploration opportunities ahead. For this expedition, we used a gas setup with 12/45 diluent and bailout gas, 30/30 intermediate trimix, and 50% deco gas. Additionally, we had a backup supply of 50% deco gas stationed on the deco bar for added safety during decompression stops.

With the complexity of the dives, preparation was crucial. Before tackling deeper wrecks, we made an initial stop at a 64-meter deep steel fishing trawler—a wreck that would serve as a final test for both our gear and team synergy.

The dive was casual yet essential, with a runtime of 110 minutes. The wreck, likely an insurance case or disposal, was empty throughout its holds and superstructure. This stopover ensured everything was functioning smoothly, setting us up for the more challenging wrecks to come.

Deep Wreck Expeditions in the Gulf of Thailand
Rudolf Eichinger, Jörg Kleine-Piening , Oliver Zaiser
a screen shot of a diving graph
Dive profile during the "Big Steel" shipwreck dive

Elusive Wrecks: The Nanmai Maru 5 Tanker

With our equipment finely tuned, we embarked on a 20-hour journey to a GPS location thought to be the Nanmai Maru 5 Tanker. Our hopes were high, but the elusive tanker remained hidden. Despite combing the area with side-scan sonar, we came up empty-handed. Still, the Gulf of Thailand never disappoints, and this only left us more determined for future expeditions—perhaps one day in Cambodian waters, where promising marks still await investigation.

The Mysterious Wreck at 73m: Is it the Sakura Maru?

Next up was the presumed location of the Sakura Maru, a Japanese wreck lost during WWII. Our sonar readings suggested not one but two potential wrecks in the area, though they barely rose 5 meters above the seabed, which is at around 72 meters. Upon diving, we realized something truly intriguing—this was not just any wreck.

The wreck lay in ruins, with the hull buckled upon hitting the seabed. Both the stern and bow were missing, torn off as if by an explosion. The brittle, dark metal and blown-out cargo holds told a story of sudden destruction. Interestingly, the cargo holds open up much deeper than the seafloor, as the wreck had settled into the sand, providing greater depths for exploration. Although the seafloor rests at 72 meters, on this dive we reached a maximum depth of 69 meters as we swam through the holds.

The two dives we completed on this wreck, with around 40 minutes of bottom time each, revealed a ship far beyond our expectations. Was this the Sakura Maru? Probably not, given its size. here is still much to investigate, including a shadow around 1 mile away that might actually be the missing stern, suggesting there could be more wreckage waiting to be explored.

This site has now firmly secured its place on our list for future deep exploration dives.

a screen shot of a diving profile graph
Dive profile during the "Sakura Maru" expedition dive
side scan sonar on a boat
Looking for the remains of the Sakura Maru

Revisiting an Old Favorite: The Tottori Maru

As our expedition drew to a close, we couldn’t resist a final stop at one of my all-time favorite wrecks—the Tottori Maru, resting at 72 meters. This wreck holds special meaning for me, as it was one of the first wrecks that sparked my love for technical diving over 14 years ago. My first dive on the Tottori Maru was a short 15-minute bottom time air dive, and while I was entranced by its mystery, the depth and the narcotic haze of air at that level limited what I could fully take in.

This time, with our CCR setups, the dive was a completely different experience. We spent 45 minutes of bottom time exploring her stern, the massive rudder, and propeller. The aft cargo hold and stern area offered multiple penetration points, and the structure has remained impressively intact over the years. One of the standout features of this wreck is the sheer size of the aft section and the amount of detail still visible, even after decades on the seabed.

The Tottori Maru was originally a Japanese cargo vessel, likely repurposed for wartime use during WWII. While much of her history remains shrouded in mystery, the wreck provides a fascinating dive for those willing to go deep enough. The wreck is largely intact, with the stern being particularly well-preserved, giving divers a glimpse into the ship’s original construction and layout. Exploring her massive propeller and the intricacies of the rudder area is a humbling experience, especially when you consider the engineering that went into these vessels over a century ago.

This wreck has become a mainstay in our deep wreck explorations, and I plan to return to the Tottori Maru as soon as possible. Every dive reveals something new, and there is always more to uncover on this remarkable site. For technical divers, it’s a must-dive wreck in the Gulf of Thailand, offering an unparalleled combination of depth, history, and pristine condition. Whether you’re looking to explore the outer structure or penetrate deep into her holds, the Tottori Maru is a wreck that never disappoints.

 

scuba divers in the water
Rudolf Eichinger and Jörg Kleine-Piening on the downline after a successful dive to the Tottori Maru
a screen shot of a deco dive graph
Dive profile during the "Tottori Maru" shipwreck dive

Whats to come for Wreck Exploration in the Gulf of Thailand

This expedition, while successful, has only scratched the surface of the wrecks waiting to be discovered in the Gulf of Thailand. Wreck diving here is an ongoing journey, with each trip unveiling new mysteries. While we couldn’t confirm the identity of some wrecks, the process of discovery is what drives us. There are still many marked locations to explore, and each wreck we dive adds to the rich history of these waters.

For those interested in technical diving, advanced technical CCR courses or wreck exploration, the Gulf of Thailand offers some of the most rewarding dive sites in Southeast Asia. Our next mission is already on the horizon, with plans to hunt the Sakura Maru site and further investigate the shadowy structures we encountered. As always, we’re committed to uncovering the full story behind each wreck.

If you’re interested in joining us on these expeditions, or if you’d like to learn more about the wrecks we’ve explored, feel free to contact us through the website. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to dive deep into the mysteries of the Gulf.

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