All About SS Suddhadib The Hardeep Wreck
The Hardeep, originally named SS Suddhadib (Suddathip), was a Thai-registered cargo ship sunk during World War II by British Allied bombers. It served as an 80-meter freighter during the war, transporting supplies for the Japanese army in Thailand. After its sinking inSameasan near Pattaya, the wreck now lies on its starboard side just off an island called Koh Chuang.
Despite its deterioration over time, the wreck remains accessible for diving, offering opportunities to explore its cargo hold, engine room, and the remains of its superstructure. While penetration carries risks due to structural decay, swimming along the deck and over its hull provides a thrilling dive experience.
This wreck dive site is excellent for wreck diver training. Provided the currents are calm, the outside of the wreck provides lots of structure to navigate around and practice reel work on, the inside of the Hardeep wreck is nice and wide and open making is a cautious, but relatively easy and safe penetration dive.
The Hardeep measures 64 meters in length and is situated in 29 meters of seawater. Its topography includes a main deck side and a hullside, both offering different diving experiences. The wreck’s deeper areas feature wide and spacious interiors such as the forward cargo hold, the amidships and the engine rooms, which are adorned with soft corals and sea whip corals, suitable for advanced divers and tech divers.
Divers can encounter a diverse array of marine life around the wreck, including Tusked fish, Bat-fish, Barracudas, Sweet-lips, Rabbit-fish, Angelfish, and Turtles. The wreck’s location makes it relatively protected from strong currents, particularly on its northern side.
Credit and thanks to Steve Burton From Thaiwreckdiver.com
- The SS Suddathip, also known as the Hardeep, was built in 1918 in Hong Kong for the Siam Steamship Co.
- It was later appropriated by the Thai government in 1940 and served during WWII, carrying cargo and fuel.
- The ship was originally named after Princess Suddhadib, the favorite daughter of King Rama V, and was presented to her upon its arrival in Bangkok in 1919.
- It operated as both a passenger and cargo ship before its commandeering by the Japanese army during the war.
- During its wartime service, the SS Suddathip was sent to Singapore in 1945 to collect fuel supplies, but it couldn’t return to Bangkok due to mines in the mouth of the Chaopraya River.
- It was subsequently anchored at Sattahip naval base, where it became a target for RAF bombers.
- The bombing raids on May 30th and June 1st, 1945, resulted in the ship’s sinking.
- RAF B24 liberators dropped five 1000-pound bombs, causing the Suddathip to catch fire and sink quickly.
- The crew managed to escape to Koh Chuang without any loss of life.
Questions About This Wreck
Where is the Hardeep Wreck?
The Hardeep Wreck is Positioned between Koh Chuang and Koh Rong Nang near Ko Samaesan Island – Regular Trips around twice a week are organised to dive here.
How Long To Reach This Dive Site?
It takes approx 30-40min to reach by boat from Samaesan Pier
When is the Best Time To Dive This Wreck?
SS Suddhardib also known as the Hardeep is infamous for its currents. Best avoided on rising tides we like to choose days with long slack tides. High or low is fine but high obviously offers the best visibility.
im Open Water Level Can I dive this wreck?
Sorry can not, Reports have seen some dive centers drop open water divers down the line to the top side of the wreck which is right on the limit of 18/19m for the certification level. This is not how we roll. Do it right di it safety, Ask us about doing your Advanced diver qualification or a deep adventure training dive and see the whole thing not just the top of the line 😉
What is the Bottom on This Wreck?
Bottom time depends partly on your skill level. A typical dive based on no decompression dive times is around 30-40 minutes. Air supply times can be up to 45-50min on a multi-level dive using nitrox 32.
What aquatic life is common on this wreck?
The hardeep has been underwater since 1945 so it now home to a lot of aquatic life. Infact, what doesn’t this wreck have living in and around it. The most notable aquatic sightings in recent times have been Whale Sharks, Giant Marble Rays, and Bull Sharks!
THe Hardeep Aquatic Life
Just one of Pattaya’s five wreck dive sites- Explore our Dive Sites Guide or better yet, join us for a wreck diving trip Dive into a Different World with Scuba Adventures!
