USAT Liberty Wreck, World War II shipwreck in Tulamben, Indonesia
The USAT Liberty wreck stretches 120 meters along the seabed and forms an underwater structure covered with hard and soft corals. The depth ranges between 5 and 30 meters, making it accessible to divers of various skill levels.
This United States Army cargo vessel was struck by a Japanese submarine torpedo in 1942 during World War II and sank near Bali's coast. The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 then shifted the wreck from the beach to its present underwater location.
Local Balinese communities view this sunken vessel as part of their spiritual world and conduct traditional ceremonies and offerings at the site regularly. These practices reflect how maritime history has been woven into everyday religious customs and beliefs.
Multiple dive centers in Tulamben offer guided tours, equipment rentals, and transport services to reach the site throughout the year. Visitors should be prepared for potential currents and ensure they have appropriate training before attempting the dive.
The wreck now hosts a thriving coral ecosystem with diverse fish species and marine life that have transformed it into a natural reef. This conversion shows how nature can turn a site of destruction into a source of new life.
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