American Wreck (USS Salute, AM-294)

The Salute was buckled amidships by a mine while sweeping ahead of the Brunei Bay landings; six men died and three were listed missing. She lies broken at roughly 5 deg 8 min N, 115 deg 5 min E in about 30m. The wreckage is scattered and structurally poor, so operators dive it externally rather than penetrating it. The Malaysian navy has cleared unexploded depth charges from the site, but this is still a war grave and artefacts stay where they are. About 30 minutes by boat from Serasa.

Depth

24–30m

Current

Mild

Diver level

Advanced open water

Entry

Boat

Unique features

  • Admirable-class US Navy minesweeper, commissioned December 1943, mined in Brunei Bay on 8 June 1945 with nine men lost
  • Broken in two, one section lying across the other in about 30m — an external dive, not a penetration
  • Military remains on the seabed: gun mount, depth-charge racks, small-arms ammunition, personal effects

Sources & last checked

Checked August 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.

Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.