The ocean holds all kinds of mysteries, some more easily accessible to us than others. There are a multitude of shipwrecks around the world to suit all different diving skill levels. Some have come about due to accidents or storm damage, some have a sadder history that should be treated with the utmost respect for the number of lives lost. We cover our top 5 dive wreck sites around the world that you should consider paying a visit to (or at least learning more about if you don’t have the skills to make the dive).
Remember: You should always ensure before persuing a dive that you have the correct training, skills and equipment necessary to complete the dive. Always seek help and advice from local diving professionals before commencing the dive. If diving on a private site, ensure you have the necessary permission.
The Zenobia, Cyprus. Photo by: Rostislav Ageev/Adobe Stock
SS Yongala, Australia
Located 12 nautical miles off Alva Beach, this is the largest and most intact wreck in Australian waters. 122 passengers were lost at sea when she sank in 1911 amidst a cyclone. Upon location, it was discovered that no life rafts had been despatched so the truth behind her demise remains somewhat of a mystery. A great dive for groupers, marble rays, barracuda, turtles and bull sharks. The wreck is protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Acts so look, but don’t touch.
The Zenobia, Cyprus
This wreck has a few sights aboard that are different from your standard marine life. This ferry was transporting over 120 vehicles on her maiden voyage from Sweden to Syria when she sank. The vehicles are still present. See articulated trucks scattered along the sea bed and trucks hanging from her deck.
Tabarka, Scotland
A fine example of a blockship- a ship sunk to block entry to a specific area. In the second World War, Tabarka was sunk to prevent German war ships entering Scapa Flow. She rests upside down but there are multiple entry points. The area is also the resting place of 8 remaining German ships that were sunk, of a total of 74, to prevent them being divided amongst Allied forces. There’s also three battleships and 4 light cruisers to explore. Marine life and anemones colours the surfaces of Tabarka.
Scapa Flow, Scotland. Photo by: jiduha/Adobe Stock
HMS Hermes, Sri Lanka
This was the world’s first ship to be designed as an aircraft carrier, beaten to the seas by a Japanese ship. She was sunk during the second World War, claiming 307 lives. The wreck was untouched for years, as a civil war from 1983 and 2009 prevented access. Laying 8km offshore, covered by a 30-minute boat ride, Hermes is one of only three remaining sunk aircraft carriers accessible to divers. This is the only one however to have been sunk in battle. No attempts can be made to enter or change the wreck as it’s a military maritime grave.
SS Laurentic, Northern Ireland
Located in Malin Head, this is one of four wrecks to dive in Northern Ireland to have sunk in the World Wars. Intended for America in 1917, transporting 43 tonnes of gold to pay for war munitions, she hit two mines which sealed her fate. 354 lives were lost so is considered an official war grave. Interestingly, not all the gold aboard was recovered. The most recent recovery, had been uncovered 10m below the sea bed so the rest is thought lost forever. 22 gold bars were unaccounted for in 2016. HMS Audacious, SS Empire Heritage and SS Justicia lie further north following their efforts to keep the supply route between Ireland and America open. All can be dived. 2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of SS Laurentic and so an exhibition is present in Londonderry for a short time.
Which dive wreck sites will you visit?
Have you already visited these dive sites? What others would you suggest people visit? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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