Pêcheur Breton (Colombo Cargo Wreck)
Depth: 18 meters at the highest points to a maximum of 33 meters (108 feet) at the seabed
Diving Season: Mid October to April
Experience Level: Advanced Open Water (AOW) required
This Dutch-built freighter met its end on July 1, 1994, while carrying a heavy load of scrap metal. Decades later, the ocean has claimed the massive steel structure, transforming it into a towering, fully intact artificial reef that sits dramatically on its starboard side. Because of its depth and the open-water currents that occasionally sweep past the hull, the Pêcheur Breton is a playground primarily for experienced divers.
What Makes the Colombo Cargo Wreck Special?
Descending onto the wreck, the sheer scale of the ship instantly takes center stage. The steel plating, now encrusted with colorful soft corals, provides shelter for an astounding array of marine species.
Exploring the giant propeller, the vast cargo spaces, and the sprawling profile of the side-lying ship feels like stepping into a forgotten underwater world.
Resident lionfish hover along the shadowy edges of the hull, while impressive giant moray eels peek out from deep crevices in the open cargo holds.
For divers exploring Sri Lanka’s west coast, the Pêcheur Breton offers the perfect balance of history, depth, and rich marine biodiversity. It is a quintessential Colombo wreck dive that belongs on every advanced diver’s bucket list.
