BLISSFUL REEFER - Southern Islands

Blissful Reefer, down at 24 metres, feels like a proper deep dive, especially for Singapore. This isn’t some artificial reef; it’s a genuine wreck with a bit of history, an old carrier sunk after a collision back in 2001. We love dropping down onto the main deck, where you can still make out the superstructure – the bridge area is always our first stop. The current around Blissful Reefer can be a bit tricky, so we always plan our dive for slack tide. That’s when you get the best chance to really take in the scale of the 83-metre vessel. Visibility isn’t always phenomenal, but when it’s good, you can see the stern from the bow, and that’s a real treat. You’ll find plenty of life here. Giant groupers often hang out in the deeper recesses, and schools of barracuda frequently circle overhead, catching the light. Look closer at the deck plating and you’ll spot nudibranchs, flatworms, and even the occasional small cuttlefish camouflaged against the rust. Penetration isn’t really an option given its ‘dangerous wreck’ classification, but there’s enough to explore on the exterior and through the larger openings to keep even experienced wreck divers busy for the whole bottom time. It’s a great site for photographers who enjoy the challenge of shooting in lower light, capturing the dramatic silhouettes of the wreck.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.454695, 104.410010
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Wreck History - BLISSFUL REEFER

Year Sunk
2001
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
1,599 GRT

Launched in 1962, the vessel that would become the Blissful Reefer had a long and varied career. For nearly four decades, this refrigerated cargo ship, or 'reefer', plied the world's oceans under a succession of different names, including Risa Paula and Kingbon 1. These workhorse vessels are the lifeblood of global trade, carrying perishable goods in their temperature-controlled holds. By 2001, sailing for the Brilliant Reefer Line of Panama, the ship was a veteran of the seas, nearing the end of its service life.

Its long journey came to an abrupt end on November 21, 2001. While navigating the famously busy shipping lanes near Singapore's Southern Islands, the Blissful Reefer collided with a suction hopper dredger. The damage was fatal, and the aging cargo ship sank to the seabed. For divers, the Blissful Reefer offers a chance to explore a complete, modern shipwreck. Resting at a moderate depth of 24 meters, it is accessible to many certified divers. Exploring its decks, cargo holds, and superstructure provides a fascinating look at the anatomy of a 20th-century merchant vessel, now being slowly reclaimed by the sea.

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 BLISSFUL REEFER

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 BLISSFUL REEFER

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