While exploring accidental wrecks is always intriguing, the many opportunities available at artificial reefs created by intentionally sinking old boats are outstanding as well. The wreck of the Motor Vessel Dania is one such wreck. Sunk 50 meters outside the reef that lies just off Bamburi Beach, the Dania has been in place since October 27th of 2002, and is rapidly being transformed into a spectacular haven for marine life. Grab your favorite dive buddy, and enjoy a trip to what is certainly one of Mombasa's best wrecks.
The Dania: A Sunken Treasure
The Dania was purchased and sunk by Buccaneer Wrecks and Buccaneer Diving, and sits upright on a sand patch at a depth of 30 meters. The vessel was carefully prepared for penetration prior to being sunk, and permanent lines were installed to prevent divers from becoming disoriented while penetrating the wreck.
The upper portion of the wreck is accessible at a depth of just 12 meters, and at nearly 76 meters long, this former cattle carrier, which was once called the M.V. Rodriguez, is massive. With large holds that invite easy exploration and which serve as a haven for marine life, the wreck is truly an ecosystem unto itself.
When the coral bleaching epidemic caused by El Nino effect severely damaged Kenya's reefs in 1998, the need for artificial reef structures became evident; sponges, corals, and algae now thrive on the Dania's structure, providing an important habitat that is helping once-declining species to thrive once more. Shortly after the Dania's sinking, many animals moved right in - several groupers immediately occupied the wreck as did jacks, glassfish, octopus, and lobsters. As the years passed, the Dania's population continued to increase, and now the once humble cargo ship is a magnificent example of how a carefully cleaned and prepared boat can become a living treasure, rather than being scrapped or left to rust .
The wreck's inhabitants today include venomous lionfish, which normally hide in the corners and cabins during daylight hours; be careful not to touch these beautiful fish; their stings are very painful. Watch for schooling cornetfish along the wreck's upper portion, and enjoy the sight of huge schools of tiny juvenile barracuda, which find the wreck the perfect nursery habitat, and look for the many colorful tropical species that make their way from place to place, happily posing for photos.
One of the Dania's more famous occupants is a huge Malabar grouper that follows divers from one place to another, in a curious display of territorial behavior that is interpreted as being much more friendly than threatening! This grouper is believed to weigh in excess of 150 kilograms, and while he is enormous, he won't harm you.
Finally, take some time to look at the magnificent macro life that has taken hold on the ship. Everything from fan worms to nudibranchs can be found here, and as time passes, the amount of life will certainly continue to increase.
A sunken treasure all can enjoy, and one which benefits Mombasa's marine life, the MV Dania is worth much more than her weight in gold, and she offers new discoveries on each and every dive. A splendid wreck and an underwater palace all at once, the Dania is one Kenyan dive site you don't want to miss!
Comments
Great dive.