wreck

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Vis Wreck

The Vis Wreck in Istria, for us, is a non-negotiable dive if you’re in the area. It's a proper wreck, not just a pile of rubble. This Austro-Hungarian torpedo boat, sunk in 1944, sits upright and largely intact, making it feel more like exploring a ghost ship than just another artificial reef. You descend onto the deck, usually with visibility somewhere around 15 to 20 metres, and the superstructure just looms out of the blue. We love poking around the forward gun, now completely encrusted in colourful sponges and anemones, where schools of small damselfish flit in and out. The real draw here is the penetration. There are several entry points into the engine room and crew quarters, relatively open and not silty, but still, this is for experienced wreck divers. Inside, the light filters through the portholes, illuminating the occasional scorpionfish or conger eel lurking in the shadows. Look for the massive nudibranchs we often spot on the bulkheads. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the rudder and propeller are still in place, often visited by large groupers. Dive it early to avoid the crowds, and remember a good torch – it makes all the difference in bringing out the wreck’s hidden colours and creatures.