CAPTAIN UFUK - Subic Bay

The Captain Ufuk sits in just 8 metres of water, making it a brilliant spot for newer divers or anyone wanting a long, relaxed bottom time. It's a small motor vessel, classified as a 'dangerous wreck' by the local authorities, which always makes us chuckle a bit – it's more quirky than menacing. We love drifting over the main deck, observing how the soft corals have started to creep across the hull, like colourful moss on a forgotten statue. Entry is straightforward, usually just a short boat ride from one of the Subic Bay dive centres. You can spend ages exploring the shallow holds, where schools of tiny glassfish dart and swirl, creating shimmering clouds when you approach. Keep an eye out for resident lionfish, often tucked into shadowed corners, their venomous spines fanning out dramatically. It's not a deep, penetrable wreck, but its accessibility and the way marine life has embraced it make it one of our favourite easy dives in the bay. We often spot a turtle or two grazing nearby, too.

Location
Subic Bay, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
14.564972, 120.969360
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - CAPTAIN UFUK

Year Sunk
2012
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
600 GRT

The M/V Captain Ufuk has one of the most intriguing backstories of any wreck in the Philippines. This small cargo vessel was not just any commercial ship; it was a key asset in an international gun-smuggling ring operated by the notorious criminal mastermind, Paul Le Roux. In 2009, Philippine authorities, acting on a tip, intercepted the ship and discovered a hidden cache of high-powered firearms. The vessel was seized and its crew arrested, marking a significant blow to Le Roux's expansive illegal empire.

After its capture, the Captain Ufuk was impounded and moved to a mooring in Subic Bay, where it sat for several years as evidence in a complex legal case. Left to the mercy of the elements, its condition deteriorated until it finally succumbed to a powerful typhoon in 2012, sinking at its mooring and settling upright on the sandy bottom. Its designation as a 'Dangerous Wreck' refers to its history and potential hazards, though it has become a popular dive site.

Today, the Captain Ufuk offers a fascinating dive for all skill levels. Resting in just 8 meters of water, the wreck is easily accessible and allows for long, relaxed bottom times. Divers can explore the ship's deck, superstructure, and empty cargo holds, imagining its clandestine past. While the illicit cargo is long gone, the story of the vessel adds a layer of adventure to the dive, and the structure is slowly transforming into a new artificial reef, attracting a variety of local marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA)/Las Piñas-Parañaque

Best Time to Dive in Subic Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Subic Bay occur in May, averaging 31.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.5°C
  • May: 31.4°C
  • June: 31.3°C
  • July: 30.8°C
  • August: 29.8°C
  • September: 30.0°C
  • October: 30.4°C
  • November: 30.4°C
  • December: 29.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Subic Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to CAPTAIN UFUK

Marine Life in Subic Bay

Home to 63 recorded species including 49 reef fish, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CAPTAIN UFUK

Based on average water temperature of 30.0°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • 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