BAALBECK - Tyre

The *Baalbeck* is, for us, Tyre's signature wreck. Sunk in a gale back in '78, this 100-meter freighter now rests perfectly upright at a shallow 17 meters, making it accessible for most divers. You descend onto the huge main deck, often hazy with schools of silversides swirling over the rusted holds. Our favourite feature is definitely the bow, towering towards the surface, its structure a lattice of metal, now home to clouds of anthias and the occasional curious grouper. What makes *Baalbeck* special isn't just its size, but its story. That mast, once sticking out of the water, took a direct hit during hostilities, a stark reminder of Lebanon's turbulent past. Exploring the cargo holds, you get a real sense of its working life before it became an artificial reef. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs tucked into the crevices; we've spotted some beauties on the stern section. It’s a comfortable dive, often with good visibility, making it a great option for newer wreck divers or those wanting a relaxed exploration. We’d suggest going early in the morning, before any boat traffic stirs up the sediment.

Location
Tyre, Lebanon, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
33.904446, 35.514168
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - BAALBECK

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The motor vessel Baalbeck, built in 1948, served for three decades before meeting a dramatic end in the historic port of Tyre, Lebanon. On November 30, 1978, a fierce gale battered the coast, causing the Baalbeck to break its moorings and sink alongside the main breakwater. Its story took another violent turn when its mast, which remained upright and visible above the waves, was subsequently struck by a bomb during the Lebanese Civil War, a stark reminder of the turbulent history of the region.

Today, the Baalbeck rests at a comfortable depth of 17 meters, making it a popular and accessible dive site. The wreck is largely intact, lying on its side near the shelter of the breakwater. Divers can explore its decks and superstructure, now home to a variety of Mediterranean marine life. The clear waters and shallow depth provide excellent conditions for underwater photography, capturing the unique intersection of maritime and military history that defines this fascinating wreck.

Nearby Dive Sites in Tyre

Nearest Dive Centres to BAALBECK