Siam World A new dive site has been added to the Maldives, but it comes with a slightly unusual background. At Nunu Atoll, a former tuna freighter now sits underwater as part of a project that is expected to evolve into a living reef over time.
The initiative, called Wreck to Reef, comes under Sun Siam Cares and brings together diving and marine conservation. The idea is simple: give certified divers something new to discover while encouraging coral growth and reef development over time.
The ship dates back to the 1980s and was originally used to transport Maldivian tuna between the atoll and Malé. It was cleaned, prepared and dismantled in Siam World’s territorial waters in October 2024, although the sinking did not go entirely as planned.
Due to trapped air, the ship sat upside down on the seabed. A local team later turned it upright using air bags and ropes, leaving about 10 meters of debris and its stern reaching 24 metres.
This debris is already attracting marine life. Sharks, rays, turtles, octopus, moray eels and schools of fish have been recorded around the site, while coral has begun to establish itself on the structure.
Guests can also get involved through a coral planting session, placing pieces directly onto the wreck to aid reef growth. The site will be monitored every three months, with the resort’s marine team keeping an eye on coral growth and wider biodiversity.
The first edition of Wreck to Reef ran from 11 to 15 June 2026 and included introductory dives, coral planting, marine talks, reef cleanups, island tours and a closing ceremony. More importantly, it gave visitors a chance to contribute to a project that should continue to evolve long after they returned home.
For divers, it adds another reason to go below the surface in a destination already known for its marine life. For the resort, it’s an effort to create something that extends beyond a single event, with the real story only beginning when the debris begins to form a reef.
