ATTILIO DEFFENU
Why dive here
ATTILIO DEFFENU is a wreck dive in Vlora, Albania.
The Attilio Deffenu is a beast of a wreck, a proper exploration dive, and easily one of our favourite reasons to head to Vlora. Lying upright in 34 metres, this Italian motor vessel was torpedoed in 1941, and time has done a good job of transforming it into a seriously moody dive. We love the way the light filters through the remaining deck structures, creating these long, shifting shadows that really make you feel the history. The sheer size of it, nearly 100 metres long, means you’ll want more than one dive to properly get a feel for the whole thing. We typically start at the stern, where the prop is still impressive, then work our way forward along the upper decks. Keep an eye out for conger eels poking their heads from pipes and the dense schools of damselfish that shimmer around the superstructure. Penetration is possible in some of the larger holds, but only for experienced wreck divers with the right training. For everyone else, circling the outside, ducking into the bridge area, and just taking in the scale is more than enough. It's a proper wreck dive, dark and atmospheric, best for those comfortable at depth.
Typical ATTILIO DEFFENU Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (34m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ATTILIO DEFFENU Wreck History
Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,510 GRT
Launched in 1929, the Attilio Deffenu was a proud Italian motor vessel, serving as a passenger ship for the 'Tirrenia' Società Anonima di Navigazione. For over a decade, it plied the Mediterranean, a symbol of modern Italian engineering. With the outbreak of World War II, its civilian life came to an end as it was requisitioned for military transport duties, moving troops and supplies for the war effort.
Its service was cut short on November 25, 1941. While on passage, the Attilio Deffenu was spotted by a British submarine. A torpedo strike sealed its fate, and the vessel sank into the Adriatic, becoming another casualty of the intense naval conflict that defined the Mediterranean theater. The ship went down near Brindisi, taking its wartime secrets with it to the seabed.
Today, the Attilio Deffenu rests at a depth of 34 meters in the waters off Vlora, Albania. It is a substantial and historically significant wreck, offering a poignant dive into World War II history. Divers can explore its decks and superstructure, now encrusted with marine life, witnessing a vessel frozen in the moment of its violent end. It serves as a solemn memorial and an exciting dive for those interested in the wartime heritage of the Adriatic.
Nearest Dive Centres to ATTILIO DEFFENU
Dive shops near ATTILIO DEFFENU
Acquazzurra
Orca Diving Center
Costa Del Sud Diving Center
SCUBA DIVING di Levanto Stefano & C. s.a.s.
Reviews for ATTILIO DEFFENU
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ATTILIO DEFFENU
Book a dive trip in Vlora
Guided dives, courses & snorkel tours - instant booking
Where to Stay near ATTILIO DEFFENU
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.