M42 Duster – Tank Wreck

General Info

• Dive Site Name: The Tank

• Depth: 6 – 8 Metres (20 – 26 Ft)

• Length: 5.8 Metres (19 Ft)

• Width: 3.2 Metres (10.5 Ft)

• Height: 2.8 Metres (9 Ft)

• Accessibility: By Boat Or By Shore

• Location: Aqaba, Jordan
  • 29°26’43.01”N 34°58’6.42”E – South Beach, Aqaba Marine Park

The M42 Duster, known in Aqaba as ”The Tank” or ”Duster” elsewhere in the world, is an American self propelled anti aircraft gun. It was built by the General Motors Corporation between 1952 and 1960. Initially designed for anti aircraft, with max speed of 45 mph (72 km/h), a crew of six and range of 100 miles (160 km), it also proved effective against unarmed forces.

The Tank was originally used by the Royal Jordanian Army, before being scuttled in September 1999 by the Jordanian Royal Ecological Diving Society (J.E.D.S.). It was the first tank of the reef, until they opened the Underwater Military Museum. It has also since been joined by the C-130 Hercules, an airplane that was placed around 250m away from the tank.

Described as the easiest dive in Aqaba, there’s no doubt why. It is only just 20m from the shore and 8m at the deepest point, touching the sand on the far side. The perfect place for beginners, this dive site is brilliant for training dives and first timers. For the more experienced, with it being adjacent to several other dive sites, it is the perfect place to hit up on the way back to the shore for your safety stop.

It is the perfect example of an artificial reef. Supporting soft corals and sponges, it has created a habitat for a wide variety of sea life.

It is a picture perfect spot being so shallow, the colours are so vibrant. Even the most novice of photographers will have no difficulty getting a brilliant shot.

The Tank is in the perfect location, with the Seven Sisters dive site on one side (beautiful coral area) and the C-130 Hercules airplane wreck on the other. Come check out my video of the C-130

I have personally managed all 3 dive sites in 1 dive (if your air consumption is good). Starting off at the C-130, you can then cut across to the Seven Sisters and end up at the Tank for your safety stop.

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