All About The Bremen Wreck
The Petchaburi Bremen, also known as the Siamese Steamship Co Vessel ‘Kaeo Samud,’ holds a rich history waiting to be uncovered.
For years, this wreck was told to have sunk due to an engine fire however it seems the truth have gotten lost within the passage of time. Steve Burton, a legendary figure in Pattaya diving (may he rest in peace), decided to delve into its secrets. With 27 dives logged between the late 1970s and early 1980s, Steve’s dedication to exploring the Petchaburi led to the creation of the Thai Wreck Diver website, a treasure trove of information on shipwrecks in Southeast Asia.
Contrary to some imaginative tales, the vessel didn’t succumb to a fiery fate in its engine room. The truth, as reported by the Bangkok Times on December 31, 1920, reveals a different story. Departing Kohsichang (Ko Sichang) bound for Swatow, the Kaeo Samud encountered tragedy when it struck an uncharted rock, leading to its sinking in ten fathoms of water.
Today, the wreck lies partially broken on a sandy seabed at 24 meters, its midship section bearing the brunt of damage from Thai Navy target practice in the 1980s. Strong currents prevail in this area, necessitating dives only during ‘Slack Water’ periods and caution due to naval activity.
Despite these challenges, special dive trips offer opportunities to explore this wreck a few times per year. However, encountering Thai patrol boats or difficulty locating the unbuoyed wreck can sometimes thwart these attempts.
The vessel’s fascinating history unfolds further through its specifications. Originally launched as the PETCHABURI for Norddeutscher Lloyd in Bremen, it was later confiscated by the Siam Government in July 1917 and renamed Kaeo Samud. Tragically, its final voyage in December 1920 ended in disaster near Sattahip, sealing its fate as an intriguing dive site rich in both history and marine life.
Credit and thanks to Steve Burton From Thaiwreckdiver.com
- P E T C H A B U R I B R E M E N
- New name s.s. KAEO SAMUD
- Intern. Call sign Q H J T
Shipyard: Georg Seebeck AG, Bremerhaven, Germany - Tonnage 2191 gross tonnage
- Length 88,5 m
- Breadth 11,9 m
- Draught 7,3 m
- Engine Triple expansion steam engine
- Power 1150 Hp
- Speed 12,5 nm/h
- Crew 34
- 24.09.1901 Launching under the name PETCHABURI for the company Norddeutscher Lloyd – North German Lloyd in Bremen
- 28.10.1901 Delivery to the North German Lloyd
August 1914 At the beginning of World War I the PETCHABURI was interned in Bangkok. - 27.07.1917 Confiscated by the Siam Government, re-named Kaeo Samud
- 27.12.1920 On a voyage from Bangkok to Swatow with rice on board she ran ashore near Ko Kram Yai and sank.
Questions About This Wreck
Where is the Bremen Wreck?
The Bremen is Positioned in Chong Khram Channel. Nearby Ko I Ra between The Pattaya Far Islands and Samaesan. Special Trip are organised to dive here.
How Long To Reach This Dive Site?
Its takes approx 1.5 hours to reach by boat from Samaesan Pier
When is the Best Time To Dive This Wreck?
It must be a long High slack tide and low northern wind. Due the conditions in this channel trips must be carefully planned in advance.
im Open Water Level Can I dive this wreck?
No, The Pechuburi is strictly an Advanced diver qualification site.
What is the Bottom on This Wreck?
Bottom time depends partly on your skill level. A typical dive based on no decompression dive times is around 40 minutes. Air supply times can be up to 45-50min on a multi-level dive using nitrox 32.
What aquatic life is common on this wreck?
THe entire wreck is totally alive with aquatic life. As this site isn’t visited very often the underwater world has truly claimed it. Expect to see a lot of fish, nudibranchs and various crustations. Keep a look out for stone fish and giant rays.
THe BREMEN Aquatic Life
Just one of Pattaya’s five wreck dive sites- Explore the wreck dives or our Dive Sites Guide. better yet, join us for a wreck diving trip Dive into a Different World with Scuba Adventures!
