ARISTAIOS - Redang Island

The Aristaios wreck is a real character, a shallow site that always delivers something interesting. This 138-meter motor vessel went down in 1973 after a leak, grounding itself right there at 9 meters. It’s perfect for a long, relaxed dive, especially if you’re into exploring nooks and crannies without worrying about bottom time. We love finning slowly along the deck, picking out details of the superstructure. The masts are still clearly defined, reaching up towards the surface, and they're home to schools of fusiliers so thick they almost block the sun. Look closely into the shadowed holds, and you’ll often spot batfish schooling, sometimes a grumpy stonefish, or a moray eel peeking out. Visibility here can vary, but we’ve had some truly stunning dives when it's settled, the light filtering down onto the rusted metal. It’s a site that feels alive, not just a historical relic. We’d suggest going early in the morning to get the best light and fewer other divers.

Location
Redang Island, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
3.829567, 103.409450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - ARISTAIOS

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
6,711 GRT

Originally built as the SS Cape Possession in 1944 by the California Shipbuilding Corp, this vessel was a C1-S-AY1 type cargo ship that served the United States during the latter stages of World War II. After the war, she was sold into commercial service, changing hands and names several times before eventually being christened the Greek-owned MV Aristaios.

In August 1973, while on a voyage from China to Europe with a load of general cargo, the Aristaios struck the seabed near Redang Island. The impact ripped a hole in her hull, causing a severe leak. To prevent the ship from sinking in deep water, the captain made the decision to deliberately ground her on the reef. Despite these efforts, the vessel was flooded and declared a constructive total loss, abandoned where she lay.

Today, the Aristaios rests in the calm, clear waters of Redang Marine Park at a very accessible depth of just 9 meters. Its shallow grave makes it a perfect site for novice divers and snorkelers. The large, broken-up hull has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, home to a vast array of tropical fish, corals, and invertebrates, making it one of the most popular and vibrant wreck dives in the region.

Marine Protected Area: Peramu Soil Reclamation Forest

Best Time to Dive in Redang Island

The warmest water temperatures in Redang Island occur in May, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.0°C
  • February: 28.0°C
  • March: 28.8°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.5°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.5°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.5°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 29.6°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Redang Island

Nearest Dive Centres to ARISTAIOS

Marine Life in Redang Island

Home to 153 recorded species including 101 reef fish, 34 hard corals, 7 sea cucumbers, 3 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARISTAIOS

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 53 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • 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