Hoi Siong No 6 Wreck

Overview

The Hoi Siong No 6 is an intentionally scuttled vessel lying at depths ranging from 25 to 35 metres off the popular diving destination of Flic en Flac on Mauritius's west coast. Sunk during the 1980s as part of an effort to enrich the local marine environment, the wreck has had decades to transform into a thriving artificial reef. Its hull, now encrusted with hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, rises dramatically from the sandy bottom, creating a hauntingly beautiful silhouette that draws intermediate-level divers from around the world. The site carries a distinctly mysterious mood — filtered light, shadowy swim-throughs, and the constant sense that something large is circling just at the edge of visibility.

Marine Life

The biodiversity around the Hoi Siong No 6 is one of the key reasons it remains a firm favourite among visiting divers. The wreck acts as a fish aggregation device, and the results are impressive. Key species you can expect to encounter include:

• Barracuda: Large schools of great barracuda hover near the wreck's superstructure, their silvery bodies glinting in the blue water. They are a constant and mesmerising presence throughout the dive.
• Tuna: Yellowfin and dogtooth tuna patrol the open water above the wreck, occasionally sweeping through in fast-moving hunting formations that create a thrilling spectacle.
• Lionfish: Draped in their ornate, venomous spines, lionfish are plentiful here. They tuck themselves into crevices and overhangs, making them a rewarding subject for underwater photographers.
• Butterflyfish: Numerous species of butterflyfish dart around the coral-encrusted sections of the hull, adding flashes of yellow and white to the scene.
• Other residents: Moray eels peer from gaps in the hull plating, scorpionfish lurk in camouflage on the deck, and glassfish form shimmering curtains inside the hold when conditions allow penetration.

Dive Conditions

The Hoi Siong No 6 is classified as an intermediate-level dive due to its maximum depth of 35 metres and the nature of wreck diving itself. Currents at the site are generally light, making it manageable for divers who are comfortable at depth and have some wreck diving experience. Visibility is typically good along the west coast, often ranging between 15 and 25 metres, though it can vary with seasonal conditions. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, averaging between 24°C in the cooler months (June–September) and 29°C during the austral summer.

Divers should be aware that the lower sections of the wreck touch 35 metres, meaning bottom time is limited by no-decompression limits. A computer dive and careful depth management are essential. The interior of the wreck offers limited penetration opportunities, and these should only be attempted with appropriate training and a torch.

Best Season

The best months to dive the Hoi Siong No 6 are November through May, particularly January, February, March, April, and December. During this period the west coast benefits from calmer seas and excellent underwater visibility, as the trade winds are less dominant. The austral summer brings warmer water temperatures and increased fish activity around the wreck. While diving is possible year-round at Flic en Flac, the austral winter months of June through September can see stronger swells and slightly reduced visibility on the western side of the island.

Practical Tips

• Book a two-tank dive combining the Hoi Siong No 6 with another local site such as the Kei Sei 113 wreck to make the most of your time in Flic en Flac.
• Bring an underwater torch even if you do not plan to penetrate the wreck — it is invaluable for illuminating coral colours and spotting hidden lionfish and moray eels.
• Descend to the deepest section of the wreck early in the dive to maximise bottom time at depth before moving up to shallower areas for your safety stop.
• Nitrox-certified divers will benefit significantly from enriched air on this dive, extending no-decompression limits at the 25–35m depth range.
• Respect the lionfish — they are beautiful but their spines are venomous. Maintain good buoyancy and avoid contact with the wreck structure.