HTMS Sattakut
is Koh Tao’s most famous and historic wreck dive. Originally a U.S. Navy WWII-era Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) vessel, it was decommissioned, gifted to the Royal Thai Navy, and finally scuttled off the west coast of Koh Tao in 2011 to serve as an artificial reef.
It is widely considered one of the best sites on the island for advanced training, wreck specialization, and photography.
Key Details
- Depth: The stern sits at ~30 meters (the deepest point), while the top of the wheelhouse/mast rises to ~18 meters.
- Size: Approximately 49 meters long and 7 meters wide.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water and above. Due to its depth and the potential for currents, it is generally not suitable for beginner Open Water divers unless they are on a specific advanced training course.
- Orientation: The ship sits upright on a sandy bottom, with its bow pointing North (toward Hin Pee Wee).
Navigation & Layout
- The Bow (North end): Features a large anti-aircraft cannon. This area is often the starting or ending point of the dive, as it sits closer to Hin Pee Wee.
- The Wheelhouse: The mid-section of the ship is the shallowest point, providing a great reference for your safety stop or to check air levels.
- The Stern (South end): The deepest part of the wreck, home to another large cannon.
- Penetration: For certified Wreck Divers, the ship offers multiple entry/exit points, including the wheelhouse and internal corridors that run from the middle of the ship toward the stern.
Marine Life
The wreck has matured into a thriving ecosystem:
- Large Residents: Giant Groupers frequently patrol the hull and hide under the shadow of the cannons.
- Schooling Fish: You will often see large clouds of One-spot Snappers, Fusiliers, and Yellowtail Barracuda swirling around the bridge and mast.
- Critters: Look for Jenkins Whiprays resting in the sand nearby, Lionfish perched on the railings, and Moray Eels tucked into the portholes.
- Rare Visitors: It is not uncommon for Whale Sharks to pass through the area, especially during peak season.
Diving Tips
- Visibility: Can fluctuate significantly (2–20 meters). Because it sits on sand, it is best to maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid kicking up silt, which can quickly ruin visibility inside the wreck.
- Paired Dives: It is most commonly dived in combination with Hin Pee Wee, which lies just a minute’s swim to the North of the bow. Most divers do the wreck first (deep), then drift or swim to the pinnacle to finish the dive in shallower water.
- Equipment: A torch is highly recommended for exploring the interior compartments or looking into the dark corners of the hull.
Location
10.10169, 99.81537 Get Directions
