| Stella Maru |
| A Japanese trawler that purposely sunk in December 1987 by the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society, the Stella Maru is lying on its starboard side on a sandy floor that is dotted with flat coral patches. Although the ship has been lying underwater for over sixteen years there is remarkably little sea growth on it. Apart from algae, small soft corals and other marine organisms that soon cover all metallic objects underwater, there are a few anemones , spiky sea urchins and very little else. The real attraction of the dive lies, firstly in the spectacular sight of a ship lying, still virtually intact, on the floor of the ocean.. Few Could deny the sense of drama one feels when seeing a ship looming ahead in the sea as you decend deep, gloomy water. At first it appears to be amorphous blob that could be another patch of reef; but then, as you draw closer, that blob gradually assumes the firm of a simmilar shape of a ship. When you eventually reach the hulk lying on its side, drama turns to curiosity and all the time there is a sense of of poignancy as one looks at the mound of broken metal that was once an intergral and dynamic part of many peoples' lives and which now lies prostrate and impotent before you. The second attraction of this dive is intresting but subtle to sea life that surrounds the ship. There are a number of small, dangerous creatures which lurk unseento the uninitated , either in hidden corners of the wreckor in crevice and recesses in the coral patches surrounding the it. Sometimes they lie, ominously hidden just below the surface of the sand, with only their eyes showing. Angerler Fish and large Stone Fish, for example, are relatively comon on the wreck, while across the sands of sea's floor the gentle tracks of the Dragon scorpionfish or Indian walkman can be traced to where these perfectly camouflaged fish lurk, waiting for there prey. If you should come too close, the fish spreads its beautiful butterfly wings and the diver is treated to a display of colourand form that is an absolute priviledge to witness. In the cracks of the low coral reef it is posible to find spotted morays and the aggressive Green Moray.. Although wreck diving is not everyones cup of tea, it is the combination of drama and the site of the fascinating fish life surrounding the ships' remains that makes this a highly recommended dive site. To benefit the most from the attractions this site has to offer, however it is essential that you dive with a divemaster who knows the wreck and its marine life and who takes the trouble to show you. Please Feel Free To Use Infomation On Your Own Site... If You Do Will You Please Credit My Site. |
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