Trip Report- 6-8 May 2005 (Dog Pound Wreck)

[ScoobaKev]

Visited the above wreck for the 1st time over the 6-8 May 2005 weekend. The wreck is located approximately 20NM North of Tioman. The purpose of the trip was to do some research on the diversity of marine life and document it through photos and a report.

Upon 1st descent, the wreck does not look spectacular or particularly impressive. It is a steamship of about 40m in length and resting upright on the seabed at a maximum depth of 26m. It is broken up in the middle, hinting of a possible explosion that caused its demise.

Upon closer inspection of the wreck, an enormous amount of marine life can be observed such as schooling fish of various species, more than 30 striped gummy sharks congregating in little nooks, white-eyed eels, crabs, shrimps, marble rays, flatheads, sponges and soft coral.

I found this trip very worthwhile because we've found a 'new' wreck sprawling with marine life higher in concentration than some of the 'popular' wrecks. This is a wreck that I'm very interested to visit again for its high concentration of marine life and potential conservation.

Of course, the trip on M/V Grace was also enjoyable with the good company, excellent service and free wine during meal times. :)

Images of the wreck and marine life can be viewed here- http://www.finsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3246

[mrdg]

Upon closer inspection of the wreck, an enormous amount of marine life can be observed such as schooling fish of various species, more than 30 striped gummy sharks congregating in little nooks, white-eyed eels, crabs, shrimps, marble rays, flatheads, sponges and soft coral.

Images of the wreck and marine life can be viewed here- http://www.finsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3246

I also found this trip to be one of the most enjoyable I have ever been on around Tioman. It probably helped that the group was small - about 12 I think plus the crew, some of whom dived. It was interesting to see how they combined a marine conservation trip with a wreck diver course and a nitrox course! Even staying in the hotel for the first night after the malaysians banned night departures was not too bad - Riverview hotel is clean and aircon and just next to a couple of nice bars!

The highlights for me were:

Seeing a one-eyed moray that was desparate to be photographed pushing himself into everybody's shot! I think everyone with a camera got at least one shot!

Seeing 30 + sharks in a single dive. Kev did not mention it but we found at least one cat-shark - I never seen one of these before. It was interesting that ther could be so many of one species and just one of another species. My big question is working out the ages of the sharks (are they juvenile?) and why in the whole of Tioman area this is the only place such sharks are found. From another trip I know that the Snapper wreck just one mile away has no sharks at all (although it has a lot of other fish not seen on Dog Pound also) even though wrecks approx same size, same condition and in same depth.

The other amazing thing was the macro life - especially at night. We did a night dive at about 7 and we were going to do a very late night dive at 10 or 11 PM but somebody opened a bottle of wine and that was the end of that! I reckon we would see even more diverse epcies in the middle of the night.

I actually only saw the large barracuda and big trevally on the night dive.

[mrdg]

Left (I could teach these clowns a thing or two) Right (passport stamps are for losers - I'll go where I damn well want to)

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3454.jpg



We tried to keep James out of the bar but it was impossible

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3455.JPG

Left (the new - insufficently tatooed- cook - its the only way things will improve) Right (the new owner and manager - may also be kitchen hand and run the tattoo shows)

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3456.JPG

a.k.a. the churchmouse (as in quiet as) a.k.a. Scubababe # 1 (by several of the equally shy boys)

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3457.JPG

[mrdg]

One of the crews / dm's a.k.a. scubababe # 2


http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3464.JPG


Another of the beautiful crews / DM's - it seems they have rules about being gorgeous on this boat - this one a.k.a. Scubahunk #1

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3472.JPG

[mrdg]

Also quite hunky - refuse to be photod with shirt off...

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3475.JPG

The happy conservation club team after the last dive - ScubaKev on far left - (scubahunk # 3 but unfortunately very happly married and a good christian)

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3482.jpg

[mrdg]

Here the naughty boat boy - has been fired for misbehaving and disrespecting the ladies (and the boys) - now in a monastry in Tibet


http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3486.jpg



And obviously not very hunky either

http://mrdg.underwaterchannel.com/images/IMG_3488.JPG

[Nautilus]

Great review ....

[ScoobaKeong]

Hi Greg & Kev! This is my first post on finsonline. Thanks for uploading the pics so soon. It was a very nice LOB experience for me and a first for wreck diving. True to Greg's and Kev's testimony, I've never seen so many sharks in a single locale - truly :eek:

Well, I've placed an order for a S70 to replace my flooded S45 :( But can't wait to join you guys for the next dive and document the rich life forms at Dog Pound or Snapper!

[sealion]

Yeah, I totally agree with ScoobaKev. Rich marine life! Amazing! Can't wait to dive the wreck again sometime soon. Thanks to all of you for making my trip really enjoyable. :-) I learnt a lot.

[gxdoyle]

Yeah, I totally agree with ScoobaKev. Rich marine life! Amazing! Can't wait to dive the wreck again sometime soon. Thanks to all of you for making my trip really enjoyable. :-) I learnt a lot.

Hi all,

Given the interest in this wreck we are going to do the Dog Pound again next weekend. Price is $350 ex Singapore. All dives on the same site so ideal trip for photographers.

[alexyeo008]

Would you be putting on the chef's uniform and making Aust BBQ for us again? Would like to get a shot this time.

[gxdoyle]

Would you be putting on the chef's uniform and making Aust BBQ for us again? Would like to get a shot this time.

Actually gentle readers - the reason alexyeo008 - MV Grace Divemaster - is so keen to this trip again can be seen from this series of Vesak Day pics from the Dog Pound....a very naughty DM indeed....

Maybe that should be Alex Yeo 007???

http://www.underwaterchannel.com/Images/PD/MRDG%20144.jpg


http://www.underwaterchannel.com/Images/PD/MRDG%20147.jpg

http://www.underwaterchannel.com/Images/PD/MRDG%20146.jpg





http://www.underwaterchannel.com/Images/PD/MRDG%20143.jpg

[ScoobaKev]

Who could resist going on MV Grace now?

Hunk of steel underwater for diving & Hunk onboard to entertain female divers! :D