Duster M42 Tank in Aqaba

Duster M42 Tank in Aqaba story

Known as "The Tank", M42 40mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun, or "Duster", is an American armored light air-defense gun. Initially, it served the Royal Jordanian Army before being scuttled as an artificial reef in September 1999 by the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan. It has since accumulated a lot of marine life including tropical invertebrate species in the shallows surrounding the wreck. Over the years, soft corals and sponges took hold of the tank, and swirling schools of colorful reef fish now call it home.

The wreck has plenty of little nooks and crannies housing dozens of species including shrimps, crabs, starfish and more. Lionfish frequent the tank to play around the hull while damsels fend them off with bravado. Divers keen on macro can spot colorful blennies watching the show from their homes in the coral and cracks of the tracked war machine. Tank Duster M42 located between several diving sites, is the usual place for safety stops and a perfect spot to make fish-packed, photo-of-a-lifetime safety stop. Furthermore, it is the easiest and the most convenient dive site in Aqaba for snorkeling and free diving.

Duster M42 Tank in Aqaba main features

It's not every day you get to see an old American anti-aircraft gun sunken on a sandy seabed! Although only a mere 5 meters below sea level, the tank appeals to divers and snorkelers due to its rarity. The nearby Seven Sisters and Fairy Ring reefs with their pinnacles are one of the best examples of rare, rich in marine life dive sites with exciting topography, in a relatively small area. Close to the shore in shallow, bright water, divers can enjoy the sight of blennies, damsels, butterflies, schools of fusiliers and even a barracuda. Fish life here is plentiful as the pinnacles make a great nursery, and the corals and sponges are crawling with life.

Divers will find this site perfectly relaxing, whether in training or taking a colorful break from challenging dive sites. The tank Duster M42 is just few fin kicks away and the perfect spot for safety stop. Also, for those returning from a nearby wreck Hercules C130 or technical dive at the deep wreck of Al Shorouk, it provides safe and comfortable conditions for decompression stops.

The Tank and Seven Sisters dive site is accessible by boat as well as from the shore. The site is particularly recommended for beginners who are ready to take that first step and kickstart their underwater adventure.