BAALBECK
Why dive here
BAALBECK is a wreck dive in Tyre, Lebanon.
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.
Typical BAALBECK Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BAALBECK Wreck History
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.
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Diving In Lebanon
كيرياكوس
Scuba Diving Lovers Lebanon
Stingray Divers
Abyss - Lebanese Divers College
XDC - Xtreme Dive Center
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