wreck

Log This Dive

PERHUTANI I

Perhutani I, a motor vessel that went down in 1976, sitting at 60 metres, is a serious dive, one we really respect. We’re talking about an advanced-level trip, no question. The wreck itself is a good size at 56 metres long, built in 1968, and she’s got that classic cargo ship outline, still largely intact, which is what we love about her. The stern section is our favourite, often blanketed in a fine layer of silty growth, where you’ll spot a surprising amount of invertebrate life if you slow down and look closely. You’re not going to find schooling pelagics here, not usually. Instead, it’s all about the nooks and crannies of the wreck itself. We often see lionfish tucked into doorways, their fins fanning slowly, and sometimes a grumpy moray eel peering out from a dark corner. Penetration is possible for suitably trained divers, but honestly, we find the exterior, particularly the bridge area and the cargo holds, offers plenty to explore. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet, slow colonisation of steel by marine life. Expect low light, often 10-15 metres of visibility on a good day, and a definite sense of deep water. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration for maximum manoeuvrability around the decks.