They show the part of the Energy Determination that floated and was salvaged after the explosion that  ripped it in two. We have the privilege to dive the stern section that sank.

It has to be one of the best wreck dives in the world and we are the only ones to dive it regularly. The wreck itself is stunning  but we have seen everything here from whale sharks to sailfish. In 85 metres of water, it comes to within 25 metres of the surface. Situated 40 km offshore, our technical divers go to the bottom and regular club divers are content just to potter around in the 25 -45m range. This wreck has everything!!!

The information given below was provided courtesy of author Ned Middleton. More information can be found in the UAE Underwater Explorer - authored by club members Tony Schroder and Carole Harris.

The Ship - Energy Determination:

Flag: Liberian.
Vessel Type: Steam Tanker.
Owners: United Overseas Petroleum Carriers Inc.
Built: 1976.
Builders: Bremer Vulkan, Vegesack near Bremer, Germany.
Tonnage: 153,480 grt.
Dimensions: 351.44m x 55.45m with a draught of 28.7m.

Details of loss:

The Energy Determination sailed from Bonaire on 5 November 1979,  in ballast and bound for the Das Islands in Arabian Gulf for a cargo of crude oil. At 0100hrs 13 December 1979 (local time), she was passing through the Straits of Hormuz when she was ripped by a large internal explosion in vicinity of No 9 starboard tank which contained about 354 tons of slops.

Her position at this time was approx. 11 miles off Little Quoin Island and about 40 miles from Ras al Khaimah. (lat. 26º 36' 42"N, long 56º 28' 06" E.). Fire and smoke then raged through engine room and accommodation. According to Third Officer, the ship had completed tank cleaning operations just 20 days previously.

The master ordered abandon ship and 37 of the 38 crew were all subsequently rescued from their life rafts by the Omani Navy.  One man was never found. Survivors landed at Ras al Khaimah before proceeding to Dubai.

In the meantime, the fiercely blazing ship could be seen for over 9 miles. She began to list and settle by the stern. Salvage tugs raced to the scene and managed to get a line on board and towed the ship away from the main shipping channel.  A series of explosions then ripped the vessel apart and the superstructure collapsed. At 0430 hrs 15 December , the ship broke in two approx. 80 feet (24m) forward of the bridge.  The stern section (whichincludes bridge, accommodation, pump room and engine room) then sank. East of Mina Saqr in position lat. 26º 04' 00"N, long 55º 32' 30" E. in a depth of 1pprox 42 fathoms.  (one fathom is 6 feet - so, 42 x 6 = 252 feet or 76.83m).

The forward section was towed to Dubai where it remained for over 2 years before being sold to Korean breakers. On 1 March 1982 it was towed away for breaking.

The hull and machinery insured for US$58m (UK£28.65m at that time) at time of loss.

It was the largest constructive total loss ever underwritten by Lloyd's of London.