Vessel Specifications
The British Loyalty was an impressive English oil tanker that served during World War II
Type of Vessel
Oil Tanker
Dimensions
135m × 17m
Built
1928
Sank
January 5, 1946
Depth
33 meters
Weight
~7,000 tons
A Living Piece of History
On January 5th, 1946, the British Loyalty ship found its final resting place in the Maldives. As its 79th anniversary approaches, it has firmly secured a spot on the bucket list of top dive sites in the country.
Addu has a rich colonial history, once serving as a strategic base for the British Royal Air Force until the late 1970s. During this time, Addu experienced a boom in infrastructure and economic advancements, the remnants of which are still visible across the atoll today.
Despite its history of conflict, marine life has gradually returned, with hard and soft corals encrusting the wreck and a variety of fish making it their home. Today, divers frequently encounter species such as blue-fin jacks, turtles, and sometimes even manta rays and sharks.
The British Loyalty wreck offers free divers a unique opportunity to experience its majesty up close and personal. Covered in sparkling soft corals and surrounded by colorful marine life, the wreck's towering presence beneath the waves provides a rare chance to explore a living piece of history.
Location
Between Maradhoo & Hithadhoo
Journey Through Time
From wartime service to underwater sanctuary - the remarkable story of the British Loyalty
Construction
The British Loyalty was built as a fuel tanker, measuring 135 meters long and 17 meters wide, weighing almost 7,000 tons.
World War II Service
Played a key role during WWII as a fuel tanker supporting British naval warships in the Indian Ocean.
First Attack
Torpedoed by a Japanese submarine while docked in Diego Suarez, Madagascar. The damage was minor and the ship was repaired.
Relocated to Addu
The vessel was relocated to Addu Atoll, Maldives, to be used as a storage hulk at the British Royal Air Force base.
Second Attack
Suffered a second attack, this time by a German submarine while stationed in Addu.
Final Resting Place
On January 5th, 1946, the British Loyalty found its final resting place in the waters between Maradhoo and Hithadhoo islands.
Living Reef
After nearly 80 years of submersion, the wreck has transformed into an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
An Underwater Sanctuary
The wreck has transformed into an artificial reef, providing refuge for an incredible diversity of marine species
Crystal Clear Waters
Visibility often exceeds 30 meters, offering spectacular views of the entire wreck structure
Abundant Life
Home to schools of fish, soft corals, and regular visits from larger pelagic species
Preserved Structure
The wreck remains largely intact, allowing divers to explore its fascinating architecture