More about the Inchcape 1
Originally known as Gray Swift 2, this boat was built in the USA by Halter Marine and shipped to Dubai in the early 70s. She began her service in Ras al-Khaimah and was moved to Dubai in 1991 and renamed Inch Cape 1. The vessel was utilized by Inchcape Shipping Services to transport crew and supplies to and from ships, oil platforms and rigs in both Dubai and Fujairah. She was decommissioned on 2001 and was later purposely sunk by Inchcape Shipping Services to create an artificial reef laying at the sandy bottom at a depth of 30m.
The wreck has been transformed into a big mass of marine life starting with the bow of the ship that is wrapped in candy-color pink and purple Dendronephthya soft corals. Venture inside the shipwreck for a chance to see different kinds of reef fish such as soldierfish, boxfish, pennant fish, red big eyes, and pufferfish. Groups of jack or trevally also patrol the area to feast on shoaling yellow snappers while a school of cardinalfish finds refuge in the remaining wheelhouse to hide from hunting barracuda and emperor fish. The tires of the ship are favorite hiding places of opportunistic hunters such as moray eels while rays like to stay concealed under the wreck. Smaller creatures like colorful nudibranchs and sea horses may be spotted on the stern which is a delight for divers who love underwater digital photography.
Explore how this fascinating ship has become a functional part of the UAE’s underwater ecosystem. This wreck is a specialist activity that is open to qualified certified divers seeking a challenging and rewarding diving experience.