AOI MARU - Southern Islands

The *Aoi Maru* isn’t the deepest wreck we dive in Singapore, topping out at a respectable 22 metres. But what it lacks in sheer depth, it makes up for in character. Sunk in 1975, this old motor vessel now lies on its side, a dark, hulking shape against the silty bottom. We love the way the light filters down, creating these dramatic shafts through the particles, especially on a sunny morning. You can still make out the superstructure, and there are plenty of entry points if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and have the right training. As you get closer, the wreck hums with activity. Look for lionfish tucked into shadowy crevices, their spines fanned out like feathered capes. We’ve spotted bamboo sharks resting in the sand nearby, almost perfectly camouflaged. Our favourite moments here are spent hovering over the deck, watching schools of fusiliers dart and swirl, occasionally parting to reveal a lone batfish inspecting you. It’s a proper historical dive, feeling a little like you’re exploring a forgotten time capsule rather than just a dive site. Best to hit this one on an incoming tide, before the current picks up too much. It’s ideal for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the history as much as the marine life it now supports.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.275556, 103.895550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - AOI MARU

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
capsized

The Aoi Maru was a small motor vessel that met its end not in a storm or collision, but within the sheltered waters of Singapore's Eastern Anchorage. On November 23, 1975, while fully laden with cargo destined for Indonesia, the vessel suddenly became unstable, capsized, and sank. The exact cause remains unclear, but a rapid shift in its cargo is the most likely culprit for such a sudden and catastrophic event in calm conditions.

Resting at a comfortable depth of 22 metres, the Aoi Maru is an accessible wreck for recreational divers exploring Singapore's waters. While visibility can be limited, the wreck provides an excellent artificial reef structure. Divers can explore the small cargo holds and superstructure, which are now home to a variety of local marine life, including schooling fish, nudibranchs, and crustaceans. It's a fascinating example of a modern wreck that demonstrates how quickly nature reclaims what the sea has taken.

Marine Protected Area: Labrador Nature Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Southern Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Southern Islands occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Southern Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to AOI MARU

Marine Life in Southern Islands

Home to 284 recorded species including 179 reef fish, 46 hard corals, 17 seagrass & algae, 13 sharks & rays, 8 sea snails & nudibranchs, 6 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AOI MARU

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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