wreck

Log This Dive

TUI TAWATE

The Tui Tawate, once the Empire Shirley, then the Tapahu, and finally this New Zealand-owned steamship, sits upright at 40 meters. We love a wreck with a story, and this one certainly has had a few lives before finding its final resting place off Espiritu Santo. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of it, the bow disappearing into the gloom. It’s a proper ship, not just a pile of rubble, and that’s what makes it so good. We’ve spent hours just finning along the deck, peering into cargo holds that are now home to schools of snapper and the occasional reef shark cruising past. The engine room is a highlight if you’re comfortable with overhead environments; the machinery is still mostly intact, a ghostly reminder of its working days. Look for the nudibranchs clinging to the metal, tiny bursts of colour against the rust. This site suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate exploration and don't mind the depth. It’s a deep dive, so careful bottom time management is key, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.