Inchcape I

Diving Level

Advanced and above

History

A decommissioned boat that’s become home to a wide variety of marine life. Inchcape 1 – originally known as Gray Swift 2 – was built in the USA by Halter Marine and shipped to Dubai in 1971 or 1972. She started her service in Ras AI Khaimah and in 1991 moved to Dubai where she was renamed Inchcape 1. She was used by Inchcape Shipping Services to transport crew and supplies to and from ships, oil platforms and rigs in both Dubai and Fujairah, and was decommissioned in 2001. General Manager Eric Laing and his colleagues, Captain Joe Finch and Louise Marr of Inchcape Shipping Services decided that the decommissioned boat would be ideal to sink and form an artificial offshore reef. The engines were removed and cleaned of oil residues, and the doors and hatches were taken off. HRH Sheikh Hamed Bin Mohammed AI Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, member of the Supreme Council, granted permission for the boat to be sunk. Finally, and with the assistance of Dibba Municipality, Sandy Beach Motel and Inchcape Shipping Services, the boat was relocated to her final resting place, where she has served as a base for new life.

Description

The wreck is lying upright with the wheelhouse largely intact. There are several open hatches and the center steps leading into the hold. Penetration is possible for properly trained divers, but the openings are small and rusty so be careful.

Marine life

From the beginning, fish and a variety of other marine life took up residence on this wreck very rapidly, and they continue to thrive. If you approach slowly and carefully, you can find large rays hiding under the wreck towards the stern. A large shoal of cardinal fish takes up all the space in the safety of the wheelhouse; they are trying to avoid being eaten by the large barracuda and emperor fish that cruise around outside, waiting for an easy meal. You will also see large hammour and several species of moray eels hiding in the tires. Look out for honeycomb morays, pennant fish, boxfish, soldier fish, and red big eyes. The fish life is attracted by the spreading algae. There are more and more fish beginning to congregate on this wreck and you never know what you’ll find here!

One of my Favorite Dives – I’ve even seen a seahorse here!