AZADEGAN 1 - Fujairah

Azadegan 1 isn't your typical Fujairah dive. Forget the deep stuff; this is a true shallow-water exploration, maxing out at just 2m. It's a proper wreck, mind you, and a surprisingly substantial one given the depth. We love it for its accessibility and the sheer amount of time you can spend poking around. What you get here is a shipwreck completely taken over by the sea, but in a way that’s still very clearly a ship. The sheer bulk of the metalwork, all barnacled and encrusted, is what stands out. You can swim over the deck, peer into the superstructure, and even get inside some of the more open sections. The light here is fantastic, really illuminating the resident schools of snapper that dart in and out of the shadows. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices; they're almost always present. It’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and even new open water divers looking to build confidence around a wreck without worrying about depth or deco. Our top tip? Go at high tide when visibility is often at its best and the wreck feels just a little more submerged, a little more mysterious.

Location
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.169416, 56.278000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - AZADEGAN 1

Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
unknown

The origins of the Azadegan 1 are unclear, but its name offers a strong clue. 'Azadegan' is a significant name in Iran, notably for a major oil field, suggesting this vessel was an Iranian-flagged ship, likely a small tanker or oil industry support barge. Its final resting place is just off the coast of Fujairah, one of the world's largest and busiest oil bunkering ports. The cause of its sinking is unrecorded, but it may have been a victim of a storm, a collision, or an operational accident within the bustling port anchorage.

Lying in just 2 metres of water, the Azadegan 1 is classified as a dangerous wreck, posing a hazard to local navigation. For divers and snorkelers, however, it is an easily accessible site. The wreck's shallow depth allows for long, relaxed exploration in bright, clear conditions. While not a historic relic, its skeletal remains have become a simple artificial reef, attracting schools of juvenile fish and crustaceans seeking shelter. It offers a glimpse into the modern maritime industry that dominates this part of the Arabian Gulf.

Nearby Dive Sites in Fujairah

Nearest Dive Centres to AZADEGAN 1

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