BARKLA - Northeast Coast

The Barkla, resting just four metres deep, is less a dive and more an underwater history lesson you can snorkel over, or, better yet, free dive down to. We love this site because it’s so accessible, making it a brilliant spot for those days when you just want to get wet without hauling all your gear, or for introducing newer divers to the magic of a wreck. This old bulk carrier, scuttled in ‘87 while on its way to be scrapped, has become a home to so many critters, almost as if it dodged its fate to become a living reef instead. You'll spend your time here exploring the broken hull, watching schools of juvenile snapper dart in and out of the metal plates. Look for the nudibranchs inching across the encrusted beams; we’ve spotted some truly striking specimens here, bright splashes of colour against the rust. The sheer size of the Barkla, even with much of it salvaged, is impressive at this shallow depth, and on a calm day, the visibility lets you take in large sections of the structure from the surface. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, perfect for honing buoyancy or just enjoying a relaxed float over a piece of maritime history.

Location
Northeast Coast, Taiwan, East Asia
Coordinates
25.166111, 121.719720
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - BARKLA

Year Sunk
1987
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Barkla was a British-built bulk carrier that met a dramatic end on the northeast coast of Taiwan. Launched in 1966 from the famed Austin & Pickersgill shipyard in Sunderland, she served for two decades under various owners. In October 1987, while owned by Wah Han Shipping Inc., the Barkla was on a passage from Jakarta to the Taiwanese ports of Keelung and Kaohsiung, laden with a cargo of logs.

Her final voyage coincided with the arrival of the ferocious Typhoon Lynn. Battered by monumental waves and powerful winds, the vessel was driven aground and ultimately lost on October 24, 1987. Today, the Barkla lies in extremely shallow water, with a maximum depth of just 4 meters. This makes it an incredibly accessible wreck, perfect for novice divers and snorkelers. The wreckage is broken and scattered, a powerful reminder of the typhoon's force, and is now home to a vibrant array of local marine life that has colonized the twisted metal.

Marine Protected Area: 淡水河紅樹林自然保留區

Nearby Dive Sites in Northeast Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BARKLA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at BARKLA?
The BARKLA dive site is quite shallow, with a typical depth of 4 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers and offers good light penetration for exploring the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at BARKLA?
Divers at BARKLA can expect to explore a significant underwater feature-the remains of a bulk carrier vessel. This impressive wreck, measuring 188.1m x 26.5m, sank on October 24, 1987, and still shows portions of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often attract a variety of local fish and invertebrates over time.
How challenging is the BARKLA dive site for different certification levels?
The BARKLA dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests it's suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with wreck diving environments.
What is the best time of year to dive at BARKLA for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at BARKLA for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in Taiwan, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive at BARKLA?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience to safely explore the BARKLA wreck. Experience with wreck diving or similar environments would be beneficial.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at BARKLA?
The provided data does not detail the typical currents or specific underwater conditions at the BARKLA dive site, other than its 4-meter depth and classification as a wreck. Divers should always check local conditions and consult with dive operators in Northeast Coast Taiwan before planning their dive.