BORAG (AFT SECTION) - Northeast Coast

The Borag's aft section sits in surprisingly shallow water, making it a cracking wreck dive for just about anyone. At only 10 metres deep, you get fantastic bottom time to really snoop around. We love drifting over the propeller, still looking massive after all these years, and then poking our heads into the old engine room. Light filters down from the surface, illuminating schools of small jacks darting through the superstructure. What makes this site a standout for us isn't just the history – a tanker grounded back in '77 – but how the ocean has reclaimed it. Anemones carpet steel plates, their tentacles waving in the gentle surge, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking out from pipes more times than we can count. Our favourite move is to duck through one of the larger openings, feeling the cooler water inside, and watching the colourful wrasse flit between the corroded metal. It’s an easy, rewarding dive, offering a proper wreck experience without the usual depth challenges.

Location
Northeast Coast, Taiwan, East Asia
Coordinates
25.200832, 121.741670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - BORAG (AFT SECTION)

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
grounding

In February 1977, the Kuwaiti-owned oil tanker Borag was on its final approach to the port of Shenao, Taiwan. Despite having a local pilot on board to guide it through the coastal waters, the massive vessel ran hard aground on the Hsin Lai Shoal. The ship broke its back on the reef, spilling a significant portion of its cargo and creating a large-scale pollution event that impacted the northeast coast.

While the incident was an environmental disaster, the stern section of the Borag remains as a diveable wreck. It rests in only 10 meters of water, making it an easy and accessible dive. Exploring the aft section of this once-mighty tanker offers a sobering look at the power of the sea and the consequences of maritime accidents. Over the decades, marine life has begun to colonize the twisted metal, turning a symbol of pollution into a burgeoning artificial reef, a testament to the ocean's ability to recover and reclaim.

Marine Protected Area: 淡水河紅樹林自然保留區

Nearby Dive Sites in Northeast Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BORAG (AFT SECTION)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at BORAG (AFT SECTION)?
The typical diving depth at BORAG (AFT SECTION) is 10 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers interested in exploring this historic wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at BORAG (AFT SECTION)?
Divers at BORAG (AFT SECTION) can expect to explore the impressive remains of a 204.2m x 26.8m tanker vessel, which sank on February 7, 1977. This significant wreck, classified as dangerous, provides a unique underwater feature to discover. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the BORAG (AFT SECTION) dive site for recreational divers?
The BORAG (AFT SECTION) dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should approach it with appropriate training and caution. Recreational divers with suitable experience for intermediate dives will find this site rewarding.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at BORAG (AFT SECTION) for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at BORAG (AFT SECTION) is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons in Taiwan, please refer to our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date seasonal advice.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at BORAG (AFT SECTION)?
Given that BORAG (AFT SECTION) is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," it is recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. For exploring the wreck safely, a specialty certification in wreck diving would be highly beneficial. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at BORAG (AFT SECTION)?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current conditions or visibility at the BORAG (AFT SECTION) dive site. Divers should always consult with local dive centers for the most current conditions before planning their dive.