BUSSEL - Koh Tao

Bussel, or the MV Trident as some still call her, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to on Koh Tao. She’s not huge, just an 18-metre tugboat, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in character and accessibility. Sunk back in ’98, she lies upright at 26 metres, a perfect depth for a solid bottom time without pushing deco limits too hard. Our favourite thing about Bussel is how she’s become a home. Schools of yellowtail barracuda often hang motionless just above the deck, and you’ll usually find big groupers tucked into the wheelhouse. We’ve seen morays poking out from almost every opening, and there’s a good chance of spotting a banded sea krait slithering around the propeller. The gentle currents here mean the soft corals have really taken hold, a colourful contrast to the rusted steel. You can swim through the wheelhouse and down into the engine room, though it’s a tight squeeze in some spots, so a good buoyancy is a must. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light filters down beautifully, illuminating the structure and the fish. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable at depth and keen on a wreck that’s truly integrated with its environment. Just watch your head on the low beams inside.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.353778, 101.227360
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Wreck History - BUSSEL

Year Sunk
1998
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
unknown

The tugboat Bussel was on its final journey in August 1998, a simple passage under tow from Brunei to the Unithai Shipyard in Laem Chabang, Thailand, presumably for repairs or scrapping. But the sea had other plans. During the tow, the 18-meter tugboat unexpectedly capsized and sank, leaving its journey unfinished and its story resting on the seabed off the coast of Koh Tao.

Today, the Bussel is an exciting mid-range wreck dive for visitors to the popular Thai island. Sitting at a depth of 26 meters, it is perfectly suited for advanced open water divers. The tugboat is relatively small but largely intact, allowing divers to explore its deck, wheelhouse, and the surrounding debris field. Over the years, it has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of fish and a wide variety of macro life, making the Bussel a rewarding dive that combines maritime history with vibrant underwater scenery.

Marine Protected Area: Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Tao

Nearest Dive Centres to BUSSEL

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BUSSEL

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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