Thailand Scuba Diving Dive Site Directory

Description

The MV Yong Hua sank around ten years ago after an onboard fire.  It rests intact on its starboard side on a sandy bottom at 42m., but divers can reach the top of the wreck at 28m.  Descent is made along the reference line for safety, and the wreck comes into view at about 20m deep.  There are many ways to explore this impressive 50m long wreck, depending on sea conditions and currents.

	There is a diversity of marine life on the wreck.  Schools of lionfish, fusiliers, snapper and trevally regularly coast the wreck, which is quickly developing a rich diversity of coral, where we are now beginning to see small barrel sponges and baby gorgonian fans.
On the ascent back up the reference line to the safety stop, a large resident giant grouper of about 2m long has been occasionally come out of the wreck to watch divers leave.  And on the safety stop a large school of chevron Barracuda have been known to form a tunnel encircling divers.

Penetration of the wreck is not permitted for safety reasons, as currents can be strong.  The wreck offers a good and challenging dive for experienced divers.

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Watching out for the Reef: Coral Conservation Guide for Divers

• Avoid touching live corals. You can kill them with your bare hands.
• Keep your gauge and octopus hoses close to yourself and prevent them damaging the reef.
• Secure your weight belt. Dropping of the weights can destroy the reef.
• Refrain from chasing or touching animals, especially manta rays and whale sharks.
•Maintain a comfortable distant and enjoy
watching them!

Many divers unintentionally destroy corals whilst diving. Here are a few guidelines on how to avoid doing so.

• Use the correct amount of weight to aid in your buoyancy.
• Control your fins; keep them away from the reefs and avoid kicking sand onto the corals.
• Do not pick up organic objects (dead or alive) from the sea. Likewise, please do not buy shells or other decorative products made from sea animals.
• Do not stand or rest on the stone-like corals. After all, they are living animals.