wreck

Log This Dive

KOUTOUBIA

We love the Koutoubia for its sheer accessibility and the way it’s become an artificial reef in such a short time. This stern trawler, sunk accidentally in 1990 while being towed in Las Palmas harbour, now rests on its side at a mere six metres. It’s perfect for new wreck divers, or really, anyone who fancies a relaxed dive with plenty to see. You'll find the Koutoubia fairly broken up in places, but the outline of the vessel is still clear. Large shoals of sardine often swirl above the deck, catching the light in a silvery flash. Look closely and you’ll spot octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you, and we’ve often seen large schools of glasseye fish sheltering inside the more intact sections. Our favourite part is swimming slowly along the length of the wreck, noting how different sections have become home to different creatures – damselfish darting amongst the twisted metal, and the occasional cuttlefish gliding by. Visibility here can sometimes be a bit murky, especially after strong winds, but honestly, it just adds to the atmospheric feel of a forgotten wreck. It’s a great site for photographers keen on marine life and the interplay of light and shadow.