Rannamaari Wreck

The Rannamaari is a former sand-dredger deliberately sunk on 25 April 1999 at Angsana Ihuru (now Dhawa Ihuru) in North Male Atoll — one of the Maldives’ most accessible wreck dives at 26 metres maximum depth.

Background

In 1999, the management of Ihuru Resort towed the Rannamaari — then an obsolete dredging vessel used in Male — to a site ten metres off the island’s house reef. The dredger was scheduled to be sunk on 27 April 1999 but sank unexpectedly on the evening of the 25th while still moored, watched by startled resort guests. It has been diving the 26-metre seabed since. The wreck is now approximately 25 years old and has developed into a mature artificial reef.

Site Conditions

Depth range: Surface to 26 m
Typical visibility: 15–30 m
Currents: Light; site is sheltered close to the house reef
Best season: November–April for clearest visibility

What to Expect

The upper sections of the wreck are within easy recreational depth. The hull hosts moray eels, scorpionfish, lionfish, and grouper. Schools of batfish and jack fish linger outside the wreck. On the seabed around the hull, nurse sharks, stingrays, and scorpionfish have been confirmed by resident dive operations. The wreck is suitable as an entry-level wreck dive and for beginning penetration training.

Tips for Divers

The relatively shallow maximum depth (26 m) allows comfortable bottom times. The wreck lies close to the Ihuru house reef, making a combined wreck-plus-reef dive possible. Penetration of interior spaces requires proper training and lighting — do not enter confined spaces without wreck diving certification.

Sources: PADI Pros Blog Rannamaari, Visit Maldives Shipwrecks, Dhawa Ihuru Rannamaari. Last updated 2026-06-15.

Rannamaari Wreck