Introduction
The Sea Tiger wreck off the coast of Waikiki, Honolulu, is one of the most famous and accessible wreck diving sites in Hawaii. A sunken relic that lies around 30 meters (100 feet) underwater, it attracts both divers and marine life, providing a unique, historical, and adventurous dive experience. But how did this ship, once known for illegal activity, come to rest at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean? In this post, we’ll dive into the rich history of the Sea Tiger, from its origins and controversial background to its present-day role as an artificial reef and popular dive site.
The Origins of the Sea Tiger
The ship known as the Sea Tiger was not always called by this name. Before becoming a wreck, it was originally known as the Yun Fong Seong Number 303, a Chinese vessel used primarily as a fishing and transport ship in Asia. Built in the early 1950s, this relatively modest cargo vessel saw decades of use, crossing seas between China and Southeast Asia, transporting goods like lumber and fish.
Its role as a simple working vessel shifted dramatically when it entered into the world of illegal smuggling. The Yun Fong Seong became infamous for smuggling undocumented immigrants into the United States, with authorities in both Asia and the U.S. keeping a close eye on its activities. The ship was intercepted off the coast of Hawaii by U.S. Customs officials during one of these smuggling operations in the early 1990s. After being seized by the authorities, the ship's future became uncertain, but it was destined for a much different fate.
A Second Life: Becoming the Sea Tiger
After the Yun Fong Seong was seized, it sat abandoned in Honolulu Harbor for some time. In 1993 the ship was sold by the Justice Department to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society for $40,000 who intended to use her to harass drift-net fishing operators. These plans fell thru and ultimately they sold the ship to a Vietnamese fishing company in 1994. The company re-named the 189ft vessel Sea Tiger. The vessel sat leaking oil and fuel into Honolulu Harbor, which resulted in heavy fines against the owners, which they never paid. The vessel was eventually seized by the Coast Guard and impounded. The state was planning to tow the Sea Tiger 12 miles out to sea and sink it but It was then purchased for $1 by a local company, Voyager Submarines, which operated submarine tours in the area for. The company saw the ship as an opportunity to create an artificial reef, enhancing marine biodiversity while also providing a spectacular dive site and attraction for its customers.
The ship underwent a significant transformation. Spending $250,000 on paperwork, permits and stripping of the vessel, along with $100,000 to dispose of the fuel and oil onboard. Over the course of several months, workers stripped the vessel of hazardous materials, removed potential hazards for divers, and made necessary modifications to prepare it for sinking. These modifications included cutting large access points into the ship's hull to allow divers to safely explore the wreck.
In 1999, the Sea Tiger was towed out to sea and deliberately sunk in its current location off the coast of Waikiki. It now rests upright on the ocean floor, creating a towering, ghostly monument for divers to explore. Voyager Submarines went out of business just a year after sinking the Sea Tiger.
The Sea Tiger’s Role as a Wreck Dive Site
Today, the Sea Tiger wreck is one of the premier dive sites in Honolulu and one of the most visited shipwrecks in the Hawaiian Islands. Resting at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet), the wreck is easily accessible for Advanced Open Water divers, although portions of the wreck can be explored by Open Water divers who stay within shallower limits.
The ship measures about 51 meters (168 feet) long, with the main deck sitting at around 24 meters (80 feet), making it an ideal depth for exploring. The ship’s relatively intact structure allows divers to swim through various compartments, such as the bridge, cargo holds, and crew quarters. While many wrecks collapse over time, the Sea Tiger has retained its structural integrity, offering a safe and engaging experience for divers.
Marine life has fully embraced the wreck. The once lifeless steel vessel has become
home to an array of sea creatures, from colorful corals and sponges that cling to its metal surfaces to schools of fish, turtles, and even white-tip reef sharks. Divers exploring the wreck frequently encounter moray eels, giant pufferfish, and sometimes even spotted eagle rays gliding around the ship’s frame.
The Environmental Importance of the Sea Tiger Wreck
Beyond its historical intrigue and its role as a recreational dive site, the Sea Tiger serves a crucial function as an artificial reef. In areas where coral reefs have been damaged or are limited, artificial reefs provide new habitats for marine organisms. By sinking the ship, Voyager Submarines Hawaii contributed to the local marine ecosystem, offering a hard substrate for corals, sponges, and other reef-building organisms to grow.
The wreck also helps to reduce the impact of diver traffic on natural reefs. By providing an alternative attraction for divers, the Sea Tiger takes some of the pressure off fragile reef ecosystems that can be easily damaged by human interaction. In this way, wreck diving sites like the Sea Tiger play an important role in marine conservation.
The Myths and Legends Surrounding the Sea Tiger
As with many shipwrecks, myths and legends have developed around the Sea Tiger. Some rumors suggest that the ship was involved in more sinister activities than just smuggling undocumented immigrants. Stories of illicit cargo, secret compartments, and unsavory dealings have circulated among the diving community. While these tales add an air of mystery to the ship, there is little solid evidence to substantiate most of these claims.
Regardless of the truth behind these rumors, the Sea Tiger’s history as a smuggling vessel gives it a colorful past that fascinates both divers and history buffs alike. Exploring the shipwreck, it’s easy to let your imagination wander, envisioning what life was like aboard the vessel during its operational days.
The Future of the Sea Tiger Wreck
As with all artificial reefs, the future of the Sea Tiger wreck is uncertain. Over time, the natural elements of the ocean will continue to degrade the structure. Corrosion from saltwater, combined with the forces of underwater currents and marine organisms that break down the ship’s materials, will eventually cause parts of the wreck to collapse.
However, artificial reefs like the Sea Tiger are designed to last for decades, and divers should be able to enjoy this site for many years to come. Ongoing monitoring and diver awareness will play important roles in preserving the wreck’s structural integrity for as long as possible.
Visiting the Sea Tiger Wreck: What to Expect
If you’re interested in diving the Sea Tiger wreck, here’s what you can expect:
Depth: The Sea Tiger rests at a maximum depth of about 30 meters (100 feet), making it best suited for Advanced Open Water divers. However, parts of the wreck can be explored at shallower depths (around 24 meters or 80 feet), so Open Water divers can still enjoy portions of the site.
Marine Life: The wreck is teeming with marine life. Expect to see schools of fish, including jacks and butterflyfish, as well as turtles, moray eels, and possibly even reef sharks.
Visibility: Visibility around the wreck is typically excellent, often ranging between 15 and 30 meters (50 to 100 feet), depending on conditions.
Exploration: Divers can swim through several sections of the ship, including the bridge, crew quarters, and cargo holds. It’s important to note that while the wreck has been cleared for safe exploration, it’s still crucial to follow proper wreck diving procedures.
Ocean Therapy Charters is proud to offer an Exclusive PADI Distinctive Specialty for this Dive site:
PADI Distinctive Specialty - Sea Tiger Wreck Diver
The purpose of the PADI Distinctive Specialty- Sea Tiger Wreck Diver Course is to acquaint a diver with the necessary procedures and knowledge to safely dive the Sea Tiger Wreck off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii near the beaches of Waikiki. This course philosophy expands the student diver knowledge about the Sea Tiger Wreck, the history of the wreck, and general diving guidelines for safely diving the wreck. Give us a call to schedule your course today add this Specialty to your list of certifications.
Conclusion
The Sea Tiger shipwreck in Honolulu is more than just a popular dive site—it’s a piece of maritime history, a symbol of Hawaii’s connection to the ocean, and an example of how artificial reefs can benefit marine ecosystems. Whether you’re a seasoned wreck diver or a novice looking to take your first plunge into the world of wreck exploration, the Sea Tiger offers a thrilling and educational experience.
Its unique history, from an unremarkable fishing vessel to a notorious smuggling ship, and finally to a vibrant underwater habitat, adds an extra layer of intrigue for those who dive its depths. The next time you’re in Honolulu, consider diving the Sea Tiger—you’ll be exploring a living piece of history that continues to evolve with every passing year.
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