wreck

Log This Dive

JHUFEL

We’ve explored a fair few wrecks in the Visayas, but the JHUFEL holds a special kind of charm. Sunk during Typhoon Mike in 1990, this old ferry, once the Yumeji Maru, rests at a max depth of 6m. It’s a shallow dive, almost a snorkel, perfect for extending a surface interval or shaking out the kinks after a long flight. What we love about the JHUFEL is its accessibility. You can spend a good 45 minutes just poking around the bow and stern. The superstructure is long gone, stripped away by the storm, but the hull remains surprisingly intact. Schools of juvenile snapper often shelter within the hull’s skeletal ribs. We’ve spotted lionfish perched on rusted plates, their fins fanning slowly, and the occasional moray peering out from a dark corner. Sunlight still penetrates every part of the wreck, painting the metal with shifting patterns. It’s a surprisingly photogenic site, especially on a sunny morning before the boat traffic picks up. Our pick for entry is a gentle giant stride from a small banca, dropping right onto the deck. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, too; the growth on the hull is surprisingly rich. It’s a simple, relaxing dive, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.