A shipwreck is attractive to divers for several reasons:

 

* it is an artificial reef, which creates a habitat for many types of marine life

* it often is a large structure with many interesting parts and machinery, which is not normally closely observable on working, floating vessels

* it often has an exciting or tragic history

* it presents new skill challenges for scuba divers

* it is part of the underwater cultural heritage and may be an important archaeological resource

* it provides a first-hand insight into context for the loss, such as causal connections, geographical associations, trade patterns and many other areas, providing a microcosm of our maritime heritage and maritime history.