wreck

Log This Dive

WILLIAM J PALMER

The WILLIAM J PALMER, off the Istrian coast, isn't your typical Croatian wreck. Forget the deep, shadowy behemoths; this one sits in a mere 16 metres, making it perfect for an extended bottom time, particularly if you’re a newer diver looking to get serious about wrecks. We love the way the light filters through the Mediterranean blue, illuminating the scattered remains of what was once a Liberty Ship. You can still discern the outline of the hull, though it’s largely broken up, spread across the seabed. Our favourite part is exploring the various compartments that are still reasonably intact. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices and the schools of small bream that shimmer around the metalwork. The historical context, a ship that hit a mine on its way to Trieste and was later scrapped, adds a layer of intrigue. We’d suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be at its best before the winds pick up, and the sun hitting the metal is something special.