RFA ATHELSTANE - Trincomalee & East Coast

The RFA Athelstane is a deep dive, dropping to 60 metres, making it one strictly for experienced technical divers. We’re talking about a significant historical wreck here, a steamship bombed by Japanese aircraft in 1942, just after departing Trincomalee. You descend into a deep blue, often with excellent visibility, and the sheer scale of the Athelstane slowly comes into view. What we love about this wreck is the atmosphere. It’s a proper expedition, a journey into the past. The structure is largely intact, though obviously well-weathered, and you can still make out the distinct lines of a cargo vessel. As you drift along the decks, you’ll see the light play through gaps, illuminating schools of fusiliers that flit around the superstructure. Look closer, and you’ll spot a surprising number of macro critters, like flatworms and nudibranchs, clinging to the hull, along with hunting trevally in the currents. Our favourite tip for this one: pay attention to your descent and ascent rates; it's a long way down and back up. The Athelstane is a powerful reminder of Sri Lanka's wartime history, an incredible site for those with the training to explore it safely.

Location
Trincomalee & East Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
7.500000, 81.933334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Best Time to Dive in Trincomalee & East Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Trincomalee & East Coast occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Trincomalee & East Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to RFA ATHELSTANE

Marine Life in Trincomalee & East Coast

Home to 259 recorded species including 205 reef fish, 16 hard corals, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for RFA ATHELSTANE

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories