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The Wreck of the Steamship Suddhadib
Written by
Stephen Burton
a.k.a. The 'Hardeep' shipwreck (An Anglicization of Suthathip,
or S.S. Suddhadib)
(Pattaya, Thailand)
Wreck
GPS Location:- N012’31.5, E100’57.5. Near Koh Chuang, Gulf of Siam
Vessels
name:- Suthathip,
Registration:-Thai, Sunk:- 1st June 1945
Depth=26meters ; Suitable for Air,
Nitrox, technical diving
    
    
click any image above for
HIRES 1MB .jpg image
All Computer generated images courtesy of Mr Alex Beuchel,
alexbeuchel@gmail.com Used with permission.
 
click image for 200K image.
Click HERE for HD
4Mb image
Nudibranchs on the Hardeep Ship wreck, hardeep
Cathedral Photo - by diver
Charlie Frost - Used with permission
Latest Images - The Suddhadib Re-created: by Alex Beuchel May 2010
Click any image below for Hi-Res 250K JPG Image
       
click any image above for
HIRES 1MB .jpg image
New images from Alex Beuchel Survey Jan 2008
 
(click image for hi-res pictures (200Kb each picture)
"I recently started working with a 3D software called SketchUp which can be
downloaded free through Google. They distribute it as public domain software for
people around the world to model their cities and homes in 3D to be used in
Google Earth
. 
"It is quite simple to learn and they have great online tutorials. Next to
it they published a program called SketchUp Viewer for people who only want to
view a model in 3D, rotate it and walk around in it without modifying the model.
 
"I took all my existing data that we had collected to draft up the 2D maps that
I had done and now applied it to a 3D model. Took some time, but was a lot of
fun to see the Suddhadib grow in 3D on my screen. But as you know me, no little
detail went unnoticed. If a hole in a bulkhead had a certain shape it now has
that shape in my model - nothing random" -
Alex Beuchel
All Computer generated images courtesy of Mr Alex Beuchel,
alexbeuchel@gmail.com Used with permission.
Suddhadib- Hardeep shipwreck DVD
A truly outstanding
example of shipwreck research and wreck diving documentary.
Diver & shipwreck
researcher Peter Walker assisted by a team of keen professional divers unravel
the history of one of Thailand's most popular shipwrecks.
From a standing start Peter has
succeeded in completely researching the history of what was, a mystery
shipwreck. Never before seen footage and actual aerial photography of the
bombing raid that sunk the Suddhadib, establish for the first time what really
happened in 1945 when the Royal Thai Navy at anchor was attacked by a squadron
of B24 liberator bombers.
Peter's clear 'BBC style'
presentation and multi-lingual detective skills comb through Thai naval history
and cross the world to trace the actual bomber crews involved in this raid 65
years after the sinking, for a first hand 'on camera' interview of what it was
like to be there during a low level bombing run against enemy shipping.
Underwater video footage clearly
documents all aspects of diving this wreck including penetration diving into the
more challenging areas that are out of reach to recreational divers. The video
survey also documents the many unexploded bombs that still litter the seabed
around her, and the dozens of species of marine life that have made this
shipwreck there home.
This comprehensive DVD with a fully
featured bonus section, makes this a 'must have' item for all wreck divers
visiting Thailand.
Contact the DVD's
publisher Mr Peter Walker Directly for a copy of this DVD
peter.walker@mac.com
Specifications and Historical Records
 
Nice cup found by
James Curtis, 24 May 2007
Pictures below are of a sword and scabbard
  
HardDeep Engine Room at depth=25m, August 2009 - Photo courtesy
Charlie Frost
Vessel
type:-
Cargo ship
Length
3
cylinder steam engine (105.5 horse power).
The length of the ship is 68.11 meter, beam 10.84 meter, height 5.43
meter. The size is 802.97 ton net. Registration date
12 July 1940
, registration number 447 port
Bangkok .
Siam Steam Navigation Company
HP 900, BRT 1.311, TDW 955
Thai History of the sinking
Courtesy of
Mr Peter
Walker & Royal Thai Navy sources. updated August 2005
I thought you might be
interested in seeing the attached photo of the "Suddhadib". This is certainly
an early photo of the ship that you dived on all those times
.
click for hi-res image 485Kb
Within hours of a Thai friend telling me that there are two ways to spell
Suthathip, and that Suddhadib was the more traditional way, it opened up a whole
new avenue of research.
Here is what I now know (almost all information confirmed from two separate
sources):
- Built 1918 in
Hong Kong by the Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Company (still seeking their
records)
- Built for the
Siam Steamship Co (part of the East Asiatic Company (EAC) - Bangkok-based,
Danish owner)
- Named after
the favorite (and most beautiful) daughter of King Rama V, Correct name:
Suddhadib
- Princess
Suddhadib attended the blessing when it arrived in Bangkok in 1919 and was
presented with a silver model of the ship (it would be nice to find that
model in a museum)
- Carried
passengers and cargo around Thailand and SEA
- Appropriated
by the Thai government in 1940 and shifted registration to Thai Navigation
Company (Govt owned)
- Carried cargo
and fuel during WW2
- Suddhadib sent
to Singapore in 1945 to collect fuel supplies, partly for Thai Fuel Company
(predecessor of PTT), partly for Japanese army.
- Could not
return to Bangkok due to mines in mouth of the Chaopraya River
- Instead
anchored in Sattahip naval base in late May 1945
- Some fuel
offloaded
- RAF Bombing
raid around 6pm on 30th May 1945 – medium altitude, bombers missed all
targets
- Moved to
present location near Samaesan on 31st May 1945
- RAF Bombing
raid around noon on June 1st 1945
- RAF B24
liberator squadrons 99 and 159, 23 planes, 5x1000lb bombs each
- Crews were
a mixture of British, Australian and Canadians (3 pilots still alive
today)
- B24s flew
6 hours from near Calcutta in India, 20 minutes over targets and then 6
hours back to India – through monsoon weather at 10000 feet – very
bumpy.
- Very
little defenses around ships (I don’t understand why Thai admiral moved
his ships away from the strong defenses around the Sattahip naval base)
- Low and
medium altitude bombing runs
- Five bombs
dropped on Suddhadib, one hit near bow, ship on fire (previous photo).
- Suddhadib
quickly sunk, no loss of life, crew swam to Koh Chuang
- In the
same raid the HTMS Angthong sunk and 6 other ships badly damaged
- The Suddhadib
had a sister ship the Valaya (sunk by mines in the mouth of Chaopraya River
1944)
The
latter part comes from Thai naval records which I translated yesterday and
confirms exactly the RAF operation logs that I sent you earlier.
Regards
Peter Walker
+++++
More details
courtesy of the Royal Thai Navy archives and Khun Pichit Muangnapoe.
Suthathip Wreck is a steam ship build by Dearn Rua Thai company (Thai
Shipping Co.), it was built to be use as a cargo ship for Hong Kong and Vambua
company. The name of the engineer who built the ship is Mr. K. Farsdao.
Suthathip is a one propeller with 3
cylinder steam engine (105.5 horse power).
The length of the ship is 68.11 meter, beam 10.84 meter, height 5.43
meter. The size is 802.97 ton net. Registration date
12 July 1940
, registration number 447 port
Bangkok .
Dearn Rua Thai company use Suthathip as cargo ship
approximately 3 years before was called by the Royal Thai Navy to assist in
the WWII. On
the 30th of May 1945
, Satahip bay was heavily hit by the allies bombing airplanes. Navy admiral
Kanok, commander of the second Navy unit ordered Suthathip
and other 8 warship to find a better place to anchor. Suthathip and 3
others ship were anchored in front of Koa Chuang.
On the 1st of June, 12.36 pm, 10-15 bombing
squadron attack the place where Suthathip and other ship were anchor. H.T.M.S.
U Thong, H.T.M.S Angthong and H.T.M.S. Tha Chin were hit bit still afloat
while Suthathip which did not have any cannon to protect herself was severely
hit, caught on fire and sank at
12.55 pm
.
Some say that the original name of the ship is “Hardeep”,
but was called “Suthathip” after she sank as the resting place is right in
front to Suthathip bay, Koa Chuang.
Details of Sinking
There have been numerous rumors surrounding the Hardeep s
sinking. They are included here for historical record. The most correct version
from Thai Naval Archives is included above.
Sinking theory #1:- The Harddeep was sank by French
aircraft while re-supplying the Thai armed forces during the Thai-Franco
hostilities during 1941.
Sinking theory #2:- The Harddeep was sunk by
Australian/New Zealand aircraft while carrying a cargo of construction equipment
for the Japanese 'Death Valley' railway project while on a voyage from Indonesia
to Satahip Naval base.
Evidence of sinking method
 
Aerial Bombing Picture Courtesy of Peter Walker. RAF Sources.
[peter.walker@mac.com]
Evidence that the Harddeep was sunk by an aerial attack is
furnished by the two large unexploded 1000 pound bombs lying on the sea bed near
the wreck. Both bombs lie approx 100-150 meters aft of the vessel at a depth of
27-33 meters. The bombs have brass nose and tail fuses, and were probably
dropped from insufficient height to arm themselves before striking the water.
That a bomb exploded nearby to the ship and caused it's sinking is evidenced by
a large tear in the plates on the port side of the aft cargo hold. This large
fracture would have sunk the vessel in minutes. Fuses often have serial numbers
on them, when I'm bored with life one day, I'll knock the barnacle encrustation
off them with a lump hammer and chisel to read the numbers. Volunteers for this
exciting piece of research may contact me at my usual address...
Wreck
details
The
Harddeep lies on its starboard side at a max depth 26 meters, with two
unexploded 1000 pound bombs nearby. The entire structure is encrusted in heavy
coral growth and makes a lovely 'cavern' dive. It is possible to swim from one
end of the wreck to the other without leaving the wreck. Both large forward and
aft holds offer safe, well lit penetration dives for all but the chicken scared.
The large steam engine has been removed through a purpose cut hole in the side
making access to the engine room easy. Remains of the funnel and chain winch
capstans lie on the seabed nearby. In all likelihood the large brass prop would
have been removed by local Thai salvagers before it stopped spinning, and what
remains of the cargo is nowhere to be seen. Large lumps of coal rest in the
engine room next to the 3 enormous boilers. Once having battled down the line
against the fierce currents that often flow over this wreck, the Harddeep makes
for a lovely dive. There is a lot of sea life on the wreck including a resident
turtle, a few rays, the usual giant grouper, and a giant starry puffer fish
often lurking just above the boilers. When diving the wreck aim to be first down
the rope before other cretins scare them away. B2
New Research August 2005
Phone: +66-1-374-7034
Email: peter@peterwalker.com
URL:
http://www.peterwalker.com
[Peter
Walker]--> My investigations with the RAF have returned some information and an
operations log that appear to confirm the Thai navy record of the sinking of the
Suthathip (Hardeep):
On the next day, 1 June
1945, fourteen aircraft of No. 159 Squadron were ordered to return to
Satahib Bay. Four aircraft, were detailed to lay mines - "F" captained by
P/O J.A. Atkins, "H" by P/O R.R. Temple-Smith, "Q" by W/ O Newman, W., and
"V" by F/O E j. Foot, R.C.A.F. Ten aircraft were detailed to attack enemy
shipping in the Bay - "T" captained by the C.O., W/C L.B. Ercolani, "R" by
F/L C.F. Williams, R.C.A.F, "B" by F/O E.B. Robinson, R.C.A.F, "Z" by F/O S.
Kinnear, R.C.A.F, "J" by F/L R.W. Williams, "A" by F/ L R.M. Borthwick, R.
C.A.F., "K" by P/O T. L. De Nett, "C" by S/L TW. Watson, R.C.A.F, who had
been recently promoted to senior rank, "U" by P/O M.C. Mazengarb, and "D" by
P/O R. Lee. The aircraft took off at Digri before six in the morning and
returned around eight at night. Over the target area there was good light
and visibility with scattered high cirrus cloud. The primary target was the
Anthong Depot Ship.
The previous medium level attack had been carried out against this Thai
naval anchorage without achieving spectacular success. Chiefly this was due
to the difficulty of obtaining hits on moving surface craft from medium
level bombing. This time the plan was first for some aircraft again to bomb
from medium level. Then, when all attention was directed to this attack some
aircraft would skip in at low level and do their work. At the same time four
aircraft would mine the entrance to the harbour to discourage escape. The
C.O. served as master bomber to direct the attack.
The attack went well and according to plan. The Anthong class submarine
depot ship was hit and left burning fiercely from end to end. Eventually it
heeled over and sank. The crew of aircraft "R" (F/L. C.F. Williams) attacked
a small tanker which exploded from a direct hit, followed immediately by
fire and black smoke. The ship sank in 3-4 minutes leaving debris and oil on
the sea. A 250 foot sloop was bombed amidships and
seriously damaged. There was meagre and inaccurate light A/A from
known positions. Other shipping was strafed and on the way home aircraft "H"
(P/O. Temple-Smith) strafed trains at Bhejburi with great success. Box cars
exploded violently producing brilliant red flashes and heavy black smoke.
Altogether it was a successful operation and all aircraft returned safely to
Digri. Aircraft "K" (P/O. De Nett) landed at Ramree on the way home with a
failing engine. Aircraft "Q" (W/O. Newman) returned early after encountering
adverse weather conditions. Aircraft "Z" (F/O. Kinnear) developed engine
trouble and could not take off.
Now take
a look at the
operation
log book (attached). In particular, note the comments about the bomb
passing through the ship and exploding underneath. This might explain why the
ship is not damaged the way you would expect it to be if a 1000 lb bomb had
exploded onboard.
And compare it with what the Thai Navy said:
On the 1st of June, 12.36 pm, 10-15 bombing squadron attack the place where
Suthathip and other ship were anchor. H.T.M.S. U Thong, H.T.M.S Angthong and
H.T.M.S. Tha Chin were hit bit still afloat while Suthathip which did not
have any cannon to protect herself was severely hit, caught on fire and sank
at 12.55 pm.
Here is
why I believe that this information from the RAF corroborates the Thai navy
record:
-
Date (1st of June) and time of day (around noon) is the same
-
Low
level bombing using 1000 lb bombs (low level explains why some did not
explode)
-
Both accounts mention the H.T.M.S. Angthong, a submarine depot vessel (although
the RAF thinks they sunk it)
-
250
foot sloop (250 feet = 76 meters) almost exactly same length as our ship.
This meaning of sloop could be a “small antisubmarine warship used to defend
convoys.” Remember, the RAF’s mission was to bomb the Angthong, so they
probably associated all nearby vessels with its submarine role)
-
Number of planes - Thai Navy: 10 to 15 compared with RAF 14 B24 Liberators
Fishermen
using explosives damage HTMS Chuthatip and coral reefs
Jan 2007
A special patrol was sent out to investigate
after receiving reports that fishermen in the area are using explosives to fish.
Patcharapol Panrak
Fishermen using explosives in the ocean off Sattahip have caused damage to
underwater sites, leading to a drop in the number of tourists diving in the
area.
The sunken World War Two warship HTMS Chuthatip in Saem San Bay is amongst the
sites damaged, and dive tour operators are complaining that the bay’s exotic
fish are being frightened away.
Captain Chamnong Kittipiraphol, commander of Fleet 1 at Sattahip, says that many
complaints have been received from Thai and foreign tourists that explosives
have been used by fishermen around various islands in Saem San Bay and also
around the area where HTMS Chuthatip has been laid to rest, between Koh Juang
and Koh Rong Khone.
Tourists are saying there are no scenic diving spots left and that all the large
fish have deserted the area. Captain Chamnong reported the matter to Admiral
Nopporn Achavakhom, commander of the Strategic Fleet, before sending his deputy
Captain Pachon Ramkomot and a team to investigate.
They found that explosions have occurred around HTMS Chuthatip, which lies 26
meters under the surface. The patrol investigated the various islands in the
area and found that a lot of damage had been done to the coral reefs. Tourists
and dive tour operators are now being asked if they have any information on who
is carrying out the illicit bombings. Call the Strategic Fleet Command on 038-438008.
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