The L-1011 Tristar – Airplane Wreck
Page Content - Quick Access
General Info
- Dive Site Name: The Tristar
- Depth: 15 – 28 Metres (49 – 92 Ft)
- Cockpit: 15 Metres (49 Ft)
- Tail: 28 Metres (92 Ft)
- Length: 54 Metres (177 Ft)
- Wingspan: 47 Metres (154 Ft)
- Height: 16.8 Metres (55 Ft)
Photos Captured In February 2023
All Photos & Videos Provided Are Taken By Myself
- Accessibility: Only By Boat
- Location: Aqaba, Jordan
- 29°28’19.7″N 34°58’27.5″E – Adjacent To Aqaba Container Terminal
History Of The L-1011 Tristar
The L-1011 Tristar, also known as Tristar and L-1011, was built by the Lockheed Corporation. It is an American wide bodied trijet aircraft, being used commercially. Built in 1983, it was capable of medium to long range journeys with a seating capacity of upto 400 people.
This Tristar in question has been out of service and remained dormant at the King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba’s Airport) for several years. Previously owned by Luzair Airline, it was purchased by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), with the purpose to create an artificial reef.
The aircraft was scuttled on the 26th August 2019, following in the footsteps of previously scuttled military vehicles (Underwater Military Museum) and the C-130 Hercules Aircraft. ASEZA has played a prominent role in enchancing the eco-tourism and scuba diving in Aqaba, and continues to do so.
The Dive Site
With the cockpit at 15 metres and the tail lying at 28 metres, it makes this wreck is perfect for all levels of divers. This dive site is the closest dive site to Aqaba and is only accessible by boat
Before being scuttled, the doors and also the middle seats had been removed, making it very accessible and providing a lot of space on the inside.
Key Features
- Galley
- Toilets
- Cockpit (Instruments are still intact)
- Cargo Hold
- Engine Swim Through
- Skeleton On The Toilet (plastic skeleton)
Personally, this was the first airplane wreck I had ever dived, I will never forget coming out of the engine for the first time, the enormity of the plane coming into view with the wings stretching out either side of you. I can’t recommend this plane highly enough, if your here in Aqaba, you have to do it! A favorite for most.
The sand surrounding the tristar is littered with Cassiopeia (upside down jellyfish) and keep a close eye on the top of the plane, you will find it covered in Pipefish (a cousin of the seahorse).
Dive Site Combinations
Around 150m away from the Tristar airplane is a pier. Technically not listed as a dive site, without a name, it is stunning. The only dive centre I know that goes there is Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers, which means it is relatively untouched with a huge amount of coral and life surrounding the pillars. If you want to combine this with the Tristar though your air consumption has to be good, with the Tristar being a deep dive. Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers will either moor up at the Tristar or at this pier, giving you the opportunity to do your safety stop here at the end of the dive. Here is a great opportunity for a seahorse or a frogfish camouflaged in amongst the pillars.
The Diving In Aqaba
Find out everything you need to know with the links provided. The YouTube icon will allow you to take a tour of the sites.
About Author
Matt @m9j2s youtube.com/@thebritishbusiness
Originally from England, United Kingdom. Previously having worked in the operating theatres of a hospital back home, now turned Scuba Diving Instructor. Helping educate the world about the wonders the ocean has to offer.
3 Comments