A6.BBJ
Protected Area
متنزه السعديات البحري الوطني
Why dive here
A6.BBJ is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water sits around 23°C.
The A6.BBJ isn't a long drift over a coral garden. It’s a purposeful dive, a quick descent onto a piece of history. This Bell 212 helicopter, lost off Abu Dhabi in 1978, sits at a shallow 10 metres. We love it because it’s so accessible, a perfect little wreck to spend a whole dive on, especially for those newer to wreck diving. We’ve seen divers of all levels enjoy poking around the remains. You can still make out the cockpit, though the years have started to melt away the sharp edges of the fuselage. The propellor blades are twisted, frozen mid-impact. Look closely and you'll spot small groups of snapper flitting in and out of the skeletal frame, and often a grumpy lionfish tucked into a corner. It’s a poignant site, a reminder of human endeavour and nature’s reclamation, all within easy reach.
Typical A6.BBJ 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.
A6.BBJ Wreck History
Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown
This is not your typical shipwreck, but the remains of a Bell 212 helicopter, registration A6.BBJ. On June 3, 1978, the aircraft, owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Helicopters, was on a routine flight from the Al Ghallen drilling platform to Abu Dhabi when it crashed into the Persian Gulf. The incident occurred approximately 22 miles offshore, where the helicopter came to rest on the seabed.
Today, the helicopter wreck sits in just 10 meters of water, making it a fantastic and highly unusual dive site for novice and experienced divers alike. While over four decades of immersion have taken their toll, the recognizable shape of the aircraft provides a unique underwater spectacle. The framework has transformed into a small but vibrant artificial reef, attracting schools of fish and other marine creatures. It's a rare chance to explore an aviation wreck and a poignant reminder of the power of the sea to reclaim all that enters it.
Nearest Dive Centres to A6.BBJ
Dive shops near A6.BBJ
Ocean Diving Center
XPLOR Adventure Academy
Mermaid Diving Center - Rixos The Palm - Dubai
Al Mahara Diving Center
Scuba Marine
Reviews for A6.BBJ
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for A6.BBJ
A6.BBJ Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for A6.BBJ, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (25.19, 55.22) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
23.29°C
74°F
Air Temperature
35.15°C
95°F
Wind Speed
6.81 m/s
13.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
998.5 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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