A6.BBJ - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

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.

Location
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
24.750000, 54.083332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - A6.BBJ

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.

Marine Protected Area: متنزه السعديات البحري الوطني

Best Time to Dive in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The warmest water temperatures in Dubai & Abu Dhabi occur in January, averaging 23.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.3°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • February: 23.3°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • March: 23.3°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • April: 23.3°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • May: 23.3°C (air: 30.3°C)
  • June: 23.3°C (air: 33.5°C)
  • July: 23.3°C (air: 35.4°C)
  • August: 23.3°C (air: 35.1°C)
  • September: 23.3°C (air: 32.9°C)
  • October: 23.3°C (air: 29.8°C)
  • November: 23.3°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • December: 23.3°C (air: 22.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Nearest Dive Centres to A6.BBJ

Marine Life in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Home to 25 recorded species including 7 reef fish, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for A6.BBJ

Based on average water temperature of 23.3°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories