BLISSFUL REEFER (POSSIBLY) - Southern Islands

We’re not going to lie, the name alone makes us smile. Blissful Reefer (Possibly) is one of those Singapore wrecks that always throws up a surprise. It’s a carrier vessel, went down in 2001 after a run-in with a dredger, and now sits upright at 27 metres. For us, it’s the sheer scale of the thing that gets you, an 83-metre long hull looming out of the murk. We love the way the light filters down through the superstructure, catching the schools of fusiliers that hang around the stern. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes you get 8 metres, other days it’s closer to 3. But that just adds to the adventure. Our favourite part is dropping onto the bow, exploring the deck equipment, and then drifting along the port side. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of nudibranchs, often some pretty decent sized groupers tucked into the shadows, and we’ve even spotted a turtle or two cruising past. It’s a challenging dive, currents can pick up, so it's best for experienced wreck divers comfortable with limited visibility. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve genuinely explored something.

Location
Southern Islands, Singapore, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
1.466500, 104.409500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Wreck History - BLISSFUL REEFER (POSSIBLY)

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

The Blissful Reefer was a refrigerated cargo ship built in 1962 which, after a 39-year career sailing under various flags and names, met its end in the congested waters off Singapore. On November 21, 2001, the vessel was involved in a serious collision with a dredger and sank, becoming another silent resident of the seafloor in one of the world's busiest maritime crossroads.

This particular site, marked as a possible location for the Blissful Reefer, lies slightly deeper than other charted remains of the vessel. It is believed to be a large, distinct section of the wreck, perhaps the bow or stern, which broke away during the sinking or settled further down the seabed slope. Divers visiting this location explore the same maritime tragedy but from a different perspective. The structure here offers a unique profile, with different features and marine life colonization, providing an alternative and intriguing dive on one of Singapore's more recent and substantial shipwrecks.

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 (POSSIBLY)

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 (POSSIBLY)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Blissful Reefer?
The Blissful Reefer dive site has a typical depth of 27 meters. As a wreck dive, divers will explore the remains of this carrier vessel at this depth. For more information on this specific site, visit the Blissful Reefer (Possibly) page.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Blissful Reefer?
At Blissful Reefer, divers can expect to explore the underwater features of a sunken carrier vessel, measuring 83.5m x 12.5m. This wreck, sunk on November 21, 2001, serves as the main attraction. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. You can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Blissful Reefer dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Blissful Reefer dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its nature as a "Dangerous wreck" and its depth, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Blissful Reefer for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at Blissful Reefer is not provided in the available data. For general guidance on diving seasons in Singapore, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Blissful Reefer?
Given that Blissful Reefer is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 27 meters and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. Specialized wreck diving certifications would also be beneficial for safely exploring this site. Always ensure you have the appropriate training and equipment for such dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Blissful Reefer dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current conditions or visibility at the Blissful Reefer dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions in the Southern Islands of Singapore.