wreck

Log This Dive

MASHONA

The Mashona is a proper dive, a deep exploration of history and marine life. This steamship, built in 1894 and sunk in 1915, now lies broken but still impressive on the seabed. She’s over 100 metres long, which means you can spend a solid chunk of your bottom time just navigating her sprawling structure. We love how the hull plates have buckled and peeled back in places, creating swim-throughs where schooling bannerfish often mill about. The engine room is a highlight, surprisingly intact, with the triple expansion engine still visible. Look for the large groupers that call this section home – they’re curious but usually keep their distance. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft leads you towards the rudder. Visibility here can be excellent, sometimes pushing 30 metres, which makes the whole wreck feel even more monumental. We’d suggest a dive plan that allows for thorough exploration of the midship and stern, especially if you’re a fan of penetration, though care is always needed. Strong currents can sweep across the site, so listen to your guide, and keep an eye on your no-deco limit; it’s easy to get lost in the Mashona’s story.