wreck

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Francesca di Rimini (Wreck)

The Francesca di Rimini is a proper time capsule, a casualty of WWII that’s been sitting upright on the seabed since 1944. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, which is largely intact. It’s got this eerie, historical weight to it, especially when the light hits the hull just right through the clear Croatian water. We love nosing around the superstructure, picturing life aboard before it met its end. Down at 41m, it's definitely one for the Advanced Open Water crowd and those comfortable with deeper dives. The stern's a bit more broken up, but that’s where we often find the larger scorpionfish tucked into the crevices, blending perfectly with the encrusting sponges. Visibility here is usually excellent, letting you take in the whole ship as you descend, which is a real advantage for photography. Our favourite tip? Go early in the morning. The Kornati is popular, and having the Francesca to yourself for a while really elevates the experience. It’s a compelling piece of history, patiently waiting for those who make the effort.