A 40-AD - Fujairah

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.

Location
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.500000, 56.366665
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - A 40-AD

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.

Marine Protected Area: محمية العقة

Nearby Dive Sites in Fujairah

Nearest Dive Centres to A 40-AD

Marine Life in Fujairah

Home to 14 recorded species including 4 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 starfish, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species