Croatia attracts
many tourists and visitors every year due to its indented coast, numerous islands and crystal clear sea. If you decide to visit Dalmatia, the islands and their beautiful nature are a must. If you want to get to know the Adriatic better, the best way is to
dive into the crystal clear sea and become part of the underwater world.
Take a look into the depths of the sea, which will reveal centennial stories to you. The
remains of the Romans and Greeks, the history of the unfortunate sailors and their ships or the unique flora and fauna created by nature, will not be forgotten in a hurry.
Dalmatia is rich in diving attractions, which you can get to know better through this article. All these attractions require a diving licence, accompanied by a professional diving instructor or guide as well as for instructions and preparation.
#1 Francesca da Rimini - Kaprije
Along the northern coast of the island of Capri, near Zadar, at a depth of 30 to 50 metres, lies the wreck of the ship Francesca da Rimini. This ship was used during the Second World War by Italians and Germans to transport their weapons until it was sunk by a British torpedo boat. The iron wreck of the ship and its mast are very well preserved, and such a specimen is rarely found under the sea.
#2 Mirano - Primosten
At an accessible depth of 25 metres, not far from Primosten, lies the Italian ship Mirano. The ship transported coal and is said to have been sunk by the Allied army in 1945. Because of its shallow depth, parts of the ship were removed to avoid danger to other ships. Although most of the ship has been removed, a side part of the ship and superstructure is still in very good condition and a frequent diving destination.
#3 Vassilios T - Komiza
Vassilios T was a Greek cargo ship that was shipwrecked on the island of Vis after a storm. The boat is located at an accessible depth of 25 to 50 metres and is a frequent attraction for experienced and recreational divers, as well as for tourists who want to visit and explore the wreck of the ship. An observation mast is still visible on the superstructure. A special feature of this diving attraction are the colourful sea sponges that covered the wreck of the ship.
#4 Teti - Vis
In 1930 the Italian steamer Teti stranded not far from the island of Vis and sank. It lies at a depth of only 10 to 35 metres and is one of the most visited tourist attractions of this island. It is particularly attractive because of its upright position and rudder, so it is often a popular spot for underwater photography.
#5 Brioni - Vis
The passenger and cargo ship Brioni was built in Trieste at the beginning of the 19th century and sailed on the Dalmatia-Albania route. It is believed that it lost its orientation on the journey from Split to Vis, hit the rocky shore of the islet of Ravnik and sank. The ship is almost completely preserved and lies on the port side at a depth of 50 to 60 metres. This shipwreck is only available for experienced divers with special equipment and is very attractive for underwater photography.
#6 B-17 - Vis
The best-documented wreck in the Adriatic Sea, is an American Boeing B17G fighter plane, which is located near the southern coast of the island of Vis. After being bombed in 1944, the plane had to make an emergency landing off the island's coast due to damage to its fuselage and engine. Shortly after the crew was rescued, the plane sank. The wreck is now at a depth of 72 metres and diving is only permitted to well trained and experienced divers. The aircraft is very well preserved. The cockpit with the pilot´s and co-pilot´s seat as well as the instrument panel, the machine guns and the parachute are clearly visible.
#7 Ursus - Vis
In January 1941 the tugboat Ursus transported an artillery platoon from Zadar to the Italian port of Brindisi. Near the island of Vis, the ship was attacked by the British navy. The submarine fired several cannon shots, which led to explosions on the Ursus. The ship's crew were the first victims of a naval battle on the Adriatic Sea. The shipwreck lies on a sandy slope at a depth of 35 to 55 metres. Although the consequences of the explosion are visible, the deck, stern, machine guns and chimney are very well preserved and an unavoidable place for all diving enthusiasts.
#8 Torpedo boat S-57- Peljesac
Today, the protected wreck of a torpedo boat is located near the coast of the Peljesac peninsula at a depth of 26 metres. The former German torpedo boat was attacked by the British Navy and sank in 1944. Its wreck is in excellent condition and is characterised by visible military weapons, an anti-aircraft gun at the stern and two torpedoes on deck.
#9 Antique merchant ship - Lastovo
Near the small island of Sapluna, not far from the island of Lastovo, an old merchant ship sank due to a terrible storm. Near the place of the shipwreck, today we can see the remains of ancient amphorae, which are very well preserved thanks to a protective cage. Today it is one of the most visited diving attractions in the Mediterranean, due to its excellent preservation and presentation.
#10 Antique ship with amphorae - Cavtat
In the very south of Croatia, not far from Dubrovnik, there is the largest archaeological site of amphorae in the world. Near Cavtat, the remains of a sunken ancient ship and more than 600 amphorae have been found. It is believed that the ship came from Tunisia in the 4th century and sank due to a storm near the small island of Supetar. Today the archaeological site is covered with protective nets and is a frequent attraction for many tourists and visitors.
We hope that we have awakened the desire to discover all these beauties that the Adriatic Sea wisely hides. Although we have selected only those attractions whose fate has been taken over by the sea, the Adriatic Sea offers much more than just sad stories. The Adriatic Sea is full of life, sea fish, sea mammals, shellfish and crabs. We must also never forget what the famous discoverer of the Titanic, Dr. Robert Ballard, once said: "Just take photos of the wreck with you and merely leave bubbles behind.”
Ana-Marija Tot
07.04.2021
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
