A 40-AD
Protected Area
محمية العقة
Why dive here
A 40-AD is a wreck dive where divers can encounter blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and whale sharks.
A 40-AD, Fujairah's infamous helicopter wreck, is always a laugh. It’s a shallow dive, just ten metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's simple. This isn't some pristine, intact vessel; it’s a mangled mess, a dramatic testament to its rather spectacular sinking in 1976. The story goes it crashed attempting to land on a helipad, and you can really see the impact. We love exploring the twisted metal, imagining the chaos. The fuselage is split open, the rotors are bent into abstract shapes, and the whole thing feels like a forgotten sculpture. Over the years, plenty of life has moved in. You'll often find moray eels peeking from crevices, and big schools of fusiliers swirl around the wreckage, catching the sunlight. It's a fantastic spot for macro, too; nudibranchs are always a good bet if you slow down and look closely. This site is perfect for photographers who appreciate character over perfection, and anyone who enjoys a wreck with a truly wild story. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, great for an afternoon outing.
Typical A 40-AD 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.
A 40-AD Wreck History
Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
crash
The wreck known as "A 40-AD" is not a ship, but a helicopter that met its end on July 31, 1976. According to records, the aircraft crashed and sank into the sea while attempting a difficult landing on a vessel's helipad in the waters off Oman. The exact cause of the accident, whether mechanical failure or challenging conditions, remains part of its story, now resting silently beneath the waves.
Located in the shallow, clear waters of Fujairah at just 10 meters, this is one of the most unusual and accessible wreck dives in the region. Divers can easily explore the intact structure of the helicopter, from the cockpit to the tail rotor. It’s a fantastic site for underwater photography, offering a surreal juxtaposition of aviation technology and vibrant marine life. Over the decades, the helicopter's frame has become a thriving artificial reef, colonized by corals and home to moray eels, scorpionfish, and schools of snapper.
Nearest Dive Centres to A 40-AD
Dive shops near A 40-AD
Al Boom Diving - Le Meridien Al Aqah
Sandy Beach Dive Academy
Reef Oasis Diving Center
Goblin Diving Center
Freestyle Divers
Blue Pyramids Diving Center
Reviews for A 40-AD
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for A 40-AD
A 40-AD Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for A 40-AD, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (25.58, 56.33) (0km away)
August Averages
Air Temperature
32.58°C
91°F
Wind Speed
4.12 m/s
8.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
999.8 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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