wreck

Log This Dive

NOSTOS VASSO ATHENE

When we talk about wreck diving in Vlora, the *Nostos Vasso Athene* is where we always point people first. This old carrier, 140 metres long, went down in 1977 after an engine room fire, and she now rests in about 8 metres of water. It’s an easy dive, perfect for anyone comfortable with a bit of overhead environment work, even newer divers. What we really love is how the shallow depth drenches the whole wreck in natural light. You get fantastic visibility on most days, making the sheer scale of the ship quite apparent as you descend. Our favourite spot is exploring the main deck superstructure. There are entry points into the holds where you can poke around, always keeping that natural light nearby. Schools of small fish, usually silversides, swirl through the openings, creating these shimmering curtains. The steel plates are covered in a fine layer of green algae and small anemones, and you’ll often find scorpionfish camouflaged on the deck, waiting patiently. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices in the hull plates. It’s not a deep, dark penetration dive, which makes it very accessible, but there’s still plenty to explore and a real sense of history.