ANGEL COAST - Tyre

Angel Coast is one of those wrecks that really grows on you. It’s a proper ship, grounded hard in a storm back in '83, not some artificial reef sunk on purpose. You get a real sense of its struggle against the weather out there. We love how shallow it is. This isn’t a deep, dark wreck dive, which means more bottom time and plenty of light flooding into the spaces. What’s left of the superstructure breaks the surface, even on a flat day, making for an easy descent. It’s really more of a shipwreck trail than a single monolithic object. You'll spend your dive exploring fragmented sections of hull, twisted metal, and machinery strewn across the seabed. Think huge propeller blades half-buried in the sand and massive winches colonised by colourful sponges. The marine life here is surprisingly good given the depth. Shoals of shimmering silversides often blanket whole sections of the wreck, swirling around the more intact pieces. We’ve spotted large groupers hunkering down in crevices, and plenty of nudibranchs crawling along the rusty plating. It’s an ideal site for photographers wanting to play with ambient light on a wreck, or for newer wreck divers who want to get a feel for a big vessel without the depth challenges. The shallow nature means it’s also fantastic for snorkelers and freedivers, especially when the visibility stretches out beyond 20 metres, which it often does here in the summer months. Go early to avoid any afternoon chop.

Location
Tyre, Lebanon, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
33.500000, 35.333332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ANGEL COAST

Year Sunk
1983
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Angel Coast was on a voyage in the Eastern Mediterranean, sailing in ballast (without cargo) from Lebanon towards Alexandria, Egypt. An empty ship can be more difficult to handle in rough seas, riding high on the water and being more susceptible to wind and waves. This vulnerability would prove to be its undoing.

On the afternoon of February 18, 1983, the vessel was caught in a severe storm. Overwhelmed by the heavy weather, the crew was unable to prevent the ship from being driven ashore. The Angel Coast grounded at Khaizaran, approximately 8 kilometers south of the historic city of Sidon. The force of the impact sealed her fate, and the ship was declared a total loss, left to be dismantled by the sea.

Resting at a depth of 0 meters, the Angel Coast is more of a coastal feature than a dive site. Its skeletal remains are often visible above the waves, a stark silhouette against the Lebanese coastline. For snorkelers and beach explorers, the wreckage offers a chance to see the power of the sea up close on a calm day. The scattered steel plates and decaying hull lie in the shallows, providing a habitat for small marine life and a dramatic subject for photographers.

Marine Protected Area: محمية شاطئ العباسية الطبيعية

Nearby Dive Sites in Tyre

Nearest Dive Centres to ANGEL COAST

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Angel Coast and what depths are suitable for Open Water divers?
The Angel Coast dive site is listed with a depth of 0m. While Open Water divers are typically certified to dive to 18 meters, the specific maximum depth for this intermediate wreck dive is not further detailed in the provided information. You can learn more about the site at Angel Coast.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving at Angel Coast?
The provided data for the Angel Coast dive site does not include specific information on marine life or coral species you can expect to encounter. For general information on marine ecosystems, you might explore our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Angel Coast dive site, especially for new divers or those concerned about navigation?
The Angel Coast dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it may present some challenges beyond basic open water diving, such as potential currents or navigation requirements, making it less suitable for absolute beginners or those very concerned about navigation without proper guidance. Experienced divers will find it a rewarding wreck dive at Angel Coast.
What is the best time of year to dive at Angel Coast for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the Angel Coast dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. Factors like water temperature, visibility, and currents can vary seasonally. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, you can visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Angel Coast, and is a marine park tag needed?
The specific certifications required for diving the Angel Coast wreck, or if a marine park tag is needed, are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers typically possess certifications beyond entry-level Open Water, such as Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver specialties, to safely explore sites like Angel Coast.
What are the typical water conditions at Angel Coast, including currents and visibility?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical water conditions at Angel Coast, such as currents or visibility. These factors can significantly impact a dive, especially on an intermediate wreck site like Angel Coast.