The Peltasis shipwreck is one of the most renowned diving attractions around Krk Island, located in the Kvarner Gulf of the northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia. This Greek cargo ship tragically met its fate in January 1968 and has since become a remarkable underwater site of historical and ecological interest. Below is a detailed account of its history, sinking, and the current state of the wreck. It is located near Šilo, where your Meliores apartment also is.
Historical Background and Sinking:
The Peltasis was a Greek cargo vessel built in 1951, with a tonnage of around 900 tons. On the night of January 7, 1968, the ship was en route from the Greek port of Piraeus to Rijeka, Croatia, carrying timber. The weather on that winter night took a dramatic turn, with severe storms sweeping across the northern Adriatic. The region is notorious for its Bora winds (cold, dry winds blowing from the northeast), which can generate violent sea conditions, and this night was no exception.
Caught in the storm, the Peltasis faced significant challenges in navigation. Despite the crew’s efforts to steer through the stormy conditions, the vessel was driven off course and ran aground on the rocky coastline of Krk Island, near the small fishing village of Šilo. The rocks tore into the hull, causing significant damage, and water began flooding the ship.
The captain immediately sent out a distress signal, and local fishermen, along with the Yugoslav coast guard, rushed to the scene to aid in the rescue. Tragically, one crew member perished during the rescue, while the remaining crew members were safely evacuated. With no way to salvage the ship in the fierce storm and the growing damage, the Peltasis eventually slipped beneath the waves and sank near the cape of Šilo.
The Wreck Today:
The Peltasis now lies at a depth of 12 to 33 meters (approximately 40 to 108 feet) underwater, making it a well-preserved wreck that is suitable for both novice and experienced divers. It has become one of the most popular dive sites around Krk Island, due to its depth range, accessibility, and the intact state of the vessel.
The ship’s superstructure, including parts of the deck and cargo holds, remains relatively intact, providing a fascinating exploration experience. Divers can swim along the length of the ship and observe features like the ship’s bow, winches, masts, and sections of the engine room. The wreck has settled on a sandy seabed, and much of the vessel is still recognizable, offering divers an immersive experience of being inside a historical relic.
Marine Life:
Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of fish, such as damselfish, wrasse, and gobies, as well as larger species like sea bream and groupers. The ship’s structure provides a habitat for various crustaceans, including lobsters, crabs, and scorpionfish that hide within the crevices and cracks.
Colorful sponges and corals have colonized the hull, adding to the visual spectacle. Soft corals, sea fans, and various types of nudibranchs are common sights as well. The biodiversity around the wreck makes it a great spot for underwater photography, with vibrant marine life providing a stunning contrast against the rusted remains of the ship.
Diving Conditions and Accessibility:
One of the main reasons the Peltasis is such a popular wreck is its accessibility. The wreck is located only a short boat ride from the nearby diving centers on Krk Island, and it’s a frequent stop on organized diving tours. Its depth, ranging from 12 meters at the shallowest part to around 33 meters at its deepest, means it’s suitable for a wide range of divers, from beginners to advanced.
Visibility in the area tends to be good, often around 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet), especially during the summer months when the Adriatic waters are calmer. The relatively shallow depth allows for longer dives without the need for specialized decompression stops, making it an enjoyable site for recreational divers.
The Significance of the Peltasis Wreck:
The Peltasis wreck is not just a piece of underwater scenery—it holds significant cultural and historical value for the region. The tragic sinking of the ship during the stormy night of 1968 remains a part of local maritime history, and its preservation as a dive site offers an opportunity to explore a part of that history firsthand. For locals and divers alike, the wreck serves as a reminder of the dangers of the Adriatic, which, despite its serene appearance, can become treacherous during storms.
In addition, the wreck plays an important ecological role. As an artificial reef, it supports marine biodiversity and has become a mini-ecosystem of its own. The layers of marine growth that now cover the ship create a beautiful and surreal underwater landscape that continually attracts divers from around the world.
The wreck of the Peltasis near Krk Island is an iconic underwater site, rich in history and marine life. Its relatively shallow depth, well-preserved structure, and vibrant biodiversity make it a prime spot for divers of all levels. Over the decades, the wreck has evolved into a peaceful yet haunting reminder of the events that led to its sinking, now transformed into an ecological haven in the Adriatic Sea. For anyone visiting Krk Island, a dive to the Peltasis is a must-do, offering both an exploration of history and an encounter with the diverse underwater life of the region.
By: S.O.S English
