ALBANO - Ksamil

Ksamil’s Albano wreck is a real treat, especially for a shallower site. This old steamship, sunk by a mine in 1941, rests upright in about 15 metres of water. We love that you can really take your time exploring her 89-metre length. Descending, the sheer scale of the ship is the first thing that hits you – a proper wreck, not just scattered debris. You’ll spend most of your dive circling the superstructure, spotting the old davits and cargo holds. Schools of small fish dart in and out of the darker sections, and we often find moray eels peeking from crevices near the bow. Visibility here can sometimes be a bit moody, but even on a slightly greener day, the wreck’s outline is impressive. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop shaft leads down to the rudder, now home to some vibrant anemones. It's an easy dive, perfect for newer wreck enthusiasts or anyone who wants a relaxed exploration without deep deco obligations.

Location
Ksamil, Albania, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
41.146667, 19.420000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - ALBANO

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mine

The Albano was an Italian steamship built in 1918 by S.P. Austin & Son. Owned by the Adriatica Società Anonima di Navigazione, it served as a merchant vessel until the outbreak of World War II. With Italy's entry into the war, the Albano was requisitioned by the Marina Militare (the Italian Royal Navy) to transport supplies and personnel along the Adriatic coast.

On January 2, 1941, during the Greco-Italian War, the Albano was on a passage from Durrës (Durazzo) to Vlorë (Valona) in Albania when it struck a naval mine. The explosion was catastrophic, and the ship sank quickly, becoming a casualty of the extensive naval mining that occurred in the region. Its loss was a small but significant part of the wider conflict in the Mediterranean.

Resting in just 15 meters of water in the beautiful Bay of Ksamil, the Albano is now one of Albania's most popular and accessible wreck dives. The shallow depth and typically clear water allow for long, relaxed dives suitable for all certification levels. The wreck is broken but largely intact, offering fascinating exploration of its deck and cargo holds, which have become a haven for local fish and marine invertebrates.

Nearby Dive Sites in Ksamil

Nearest Dive Centres to ALBANO

Marine Life in Ksamil

Home to 37 recorded species including 21 reef fish, 4 seagrass & algae, 4 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins, 1 other, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species