Varella Wreck
Historic, relatively unknown WWII Japanese freighter wreck dive.
Boat Access
20m Avg Depth
26m Max Depth
About this dive site
This dive site is the Gyoshin Maru, also known as the Berhala Wreck or Varella Wreck. This Japanese freighter was a very short-lived vessel; she only served for less than three months before running aground on a reef off Pulau Varella in December 1944 and subsequently sinking. Due to its limited operational period and location, it is unfortunately a relatively unknown wreck site. It offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history from World War II. Visibility conditions are likely to be variable, depending on weather and sea state. The dive site features the remains of the ship resting on the seabed.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Plan Your Visit
wreckcoral reefboat divehistorical wreck
Marine Life
Schooling fusiliersBatfishGroupersBarracudaLionfishHard and soft coralsSponges
Things to Note
Difficulty:
intermediate
Wreck diving with variable visibility and potential for currents requires experience.
Hazards:
currentdepthboat trafficentanglementsharp edges
Current Strength:
Variable
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