Wreck diving does have a certain thrill about it. For however long man has sailed the seas human dramas have been played out on these vessels either as they plied their trade or, as military vessels, stalked their enemies.

Checking out the ship’s history and the cause of its sinking before the dive helps to give it context while researching how it’s lying and what you should be able to see will help you get the most out of your dive. And once you’re on the wreck, knowing that it was once a bustling centre of activity and that on many wrecks lives were lost, adds a certain poignancy in sharing the space with it.

But life goes on. It transforms and reshapes itself and so it isn’t too long before a different type of life takes a hold on barren metal. In the tropics colonisation by corals and sponges takes place relatively quickly and their vivid colours will be revealed as you shine your torch across them. Meanwhile fish and invertebrates begin to make the wreck their home and you can observe them as they go about their business; feeding, mating or avoiding being preyed upon in places and spaces once occupied by sailors. 

Wreck penetration reveals more about the vessel and, while not for everyone, entering the confines of the vessel's interior can make the dive even more exciting and rewarding.

Regrettably some divers can’t resist taking ‘souvenirs’ rather than leave what they see for divers who follow them. This selfish action is just one more sad example of how man uses and abuses what the oceans have to offer.