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Dubai · United Arab Emirates · Middle East
Max. depth · 20 mCar Barge & Tug, Dubai: intact wreck dive at 20 metres
Explore an upright barge filled with vintage cars and a connected harbour tug resting on the seabed.
What makes this site special
- Upright and intact barge from 1986
- Cargo hold containing old cars
- Connected harbour tug
- 33-metre line of pegs for navigation
- Small wheelhouse and cabin structure
- Consistent depth of 20 metres
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Car Barge & Tug about the site
The Car Barge and Tug is a specialized wreck site located in the waters off Dubai. Unlike a natural reef, this site is defined by two man-made structures resting on the sandy seabed. The primary feature is an upright, largely intact barge that has remained stable since it was sunk in 1986. Alongside the barge, a line of pegs extends 33 metres from the bow towards a smaller harbour tug, creating a distinct linear layout for your dive plan.
As you descend to the 20-metre mark, the scale of the barge becomes apparent. The structure is remarkably well-preserved, allowing you to observe the details of its construction. Inside the hold, you will find the remains of old cars that were being transported at the time of the sinking. This cargo provides a significant amount of visual interest and varied surfaces for smaller marine life to colonize.
The topography of the site is relatively straightforward, making it easy to navigate the perimeter of the structures. The stern of the barge features a small wheelhouse and a cabin area. If you enter the cabin, you may notice a significant change in the acoustic environment. The enclosed spaces can muffle the sound of your breathing and conceal your bubbles, which often allows fish to approach more closely without being startled by the noise.
The relationship between the barge and the tug is a key characteristic of the site. The 33-metre stretch of pegs connecting the two vessels provides a clear path for navigation. This arrangement allows for a structured exploration, where you can move from the larger cargo hold of the barge to the smaller, more compact details of the tug. This linear orientation is a practical way to manage your gas and time while exploring the different sections of the wreckage.
Because the barge remains virtually intact, the site offers a high level of detail for those who enjoy wreck exploration. You aren't just looking at a collapsed heap of metal, but at a structured vessel that retains its original shape. This preservation makes it an excellent site for practicing buoyancy control and precision navigation in a controlled environment. The stability of the wreck ensures that the internal compartments remain accessible and clear of heavy debris.
Diving conditions
The site is found at a consistent depth of 20 metres. It is accessible via a boat dive from nearby harbours, approximately 7.4 to 10.7 nautical miles from the major dive centres.
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Frequently asked questions about Car Barge & Tug
How deep is Car Barge & Tug for your dive plan?
Car Barge & Tug rests at a consistent depth of 20 metres on a sandy seabed. The site’s stable depth provides a straightforward profile as you explore the upright barge, its cargo hold, wheelhouse and cabin, then follow the connected layout towards the harbour tug.
How do you reach Car Barge & Tug?
Car Barge & Tug is accessed by boat from nearby harbours. The wreck lies approximately 7.4 to 10.7 nautical miles from the major dive centres. This approach brings you directly to the sandy seabed site, where the upright barge and connected harbour tug form the main route for exploration.
How can you navigate Car Barge & Tug?
Car Barge & Tug has a clear, linear layout that supports a structured dive plan. You can explore the barge perimeter, move through its cargo hold, and use the 33-metre line of pegs extending from the bow towards the harbour tug as a distinct navigation path.
What will you see at Car Barge & Tug?
At Car Barge & Tug, you can see an upright, largely intact barge sunk in 1986, with old cars inside its cargo hold. The stern includes a small wheelhouse and cabin, while a connected harbour tug adds another structure to explore across the sandy seabed.
