Wreck Dive Dubai
Hopper Barge Neptune
Hopper Barge
Originally a Panamanian dump barge, Hopper 6 was intentionally sunk by local fishermen after damage caused by a storm in Port Khalid on 18th February 1982. Hopper Barge was later raised, towed to her present location and re-sunk. Large holes were caused in her side, from the breakwater stabits during the storm. Hopper Barge is an easy wreck to navigate, sitting upright at 25 metres depth. It’s possible to explore the holes in her starboard side if a torch is taken and it is also possible to penetrate the machinery cabins. Guitarsharks are known to visit the wreck and Depth: 25m Snorkeling: no large batfish are permanent residents, often Night Dive: yes following divers, apparently completely unGPS: N25°38’22.0” E55°03’55.0” perturbed by them. Small colourful blennies live Wreck Register: 108300055 in the small cracks and crevices while different Name: Neptune 6 coloured cowries can be seen.
Nationality: Panamian Registered Year Built: Unknown Type: drill rig tender barge Tonnage: 2,300 gross Dimensions: L: 79m, B: 15m, D: 8m Cargo: general drilling equipments Date sunk: 12 November 1973
Neptune
The Neptune was a drill rig tender barge, accompanying the WD Kent drilling rig. The Neptune pulled off in bad weather, dragged her anchor and collided with the WD Kent, resulting in the sinking of the rig. Neptune capsized while being towed to Sharjah and now lays upside-down at 25 metres depth on the sea floor. The drilling equipment, crane boom and wreckage from the accommodation lie along the port side. The wreck is deteriorating and access can be accomplished from both port and starboard side, making it possible to swim right through. Stingrays can be found on the sand beyond the Depth: 25m wreckage and the crane structure has been Snorkeling: no propagated by white soft coral. Shrimps, Night Dive: yes blennies and octocorals cover the surface of the GPS: N25°30’27.9” E55°03’58.6” wreck. The octocorals are tiny yet come in many Wreck Register: Name: Hopper Barge 6(HB6) colours and there pulsing motions when they feed is almost hypnotic to observe.
Nationality: Panamanian registered Year Built: Unknown Type: Dump Barge Tonnage: 1000 gross Dimensions: L: 48m, B:14m, D: 5m Cargo: none Date sunk: About 1985