Koh Tao's New Wreck - The HTMS Sattakut - The History

Koh Tao will have a new wreck to scuba dive on from the 18th of June 2011. The former World War 2 landing craft will be sunk as an artificial reef on the west coast of Koh Tao. After years of campaigning to secure a vessel the Royal Thai Navy will sink the HTMS Sattakut LCI - 742 (formally the USS LCI - 739). Wild Planet and sister company Planet Scuba will be at the sinking ceremony just south of 'Hin Pee Wee' dive site.

The landing craft was built in 1943 by the 'Commercial Iron Works' in Portland, Oregon USA. She was launched on the 27th of February 1944 and commissioned the USS LCI (L) - 739 on the 6th of March 1944. The vessel was to be assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theatre of operations. It was exactly 6 months later when the LCI -739 saw action as part of the capture and occupation of the Southern Palau islands. The campaign was known as the 'Western Caroline islands' operation and lasted until October 14th 1944. She was re-classified as a 'Gunboat' on the 31st of December 1944 before seeing action again in the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima. The Iwo Jima operation lasted from the 19th of February to the 3rd March 1945.

It wasn't long before the 'Sattakut' was in action again. Just 3 weeks later she was part of the 'Okinawa Gunto Operation' which lasted from the 26th of March to the 14th June 1945. During which time the vessel was again re-classified to a 'mortar' boat. At the close of the war the USS LCI (L) (G) (M) 739 received 3 battle stars for its service during the above campaigns. She was taken out of service with the US Navy in 1947. I will find out more about her service with the Royal Thai Navy and include it in the blog on Saturday.

If you want to be part of the sinking ceremony please contact Planet Scuba - Mae Haad - 077 456 110 before Friday the 17th June.