Brioni wreck - Vis & Biševo

The Brioni wreck off Vis is one of our favourite dives in Croatia, a proper step back in time. We think it’s best suited to experienced wreck divers, those who appreciate the history as much as the exploration. Dropping onto the stern, the first thing you notice is how intact she is, a beautiful silhouette against the blue. You can still see the deck guns, encrusted now with sponges and anemones, and we’ve often found scorpionfish tucked in amongst them. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers; the engine room is particularly atmospheric, with light shafts cutting through the gloom, revealing schools of glassfish shimmering in the turbine halls. Even if you stay on the exterior, there’s plenty to see – big schools of damselfish flit around the superstructure, and octopuses love to hide in the nooks and crannies. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is just right then, really brings out the colours of the sponges. The Brioni is a genuine experience, a wreck with a story to tell.

Location
Vis & Biševo, Croatia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.015347, 16.230282
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Brioni wreck

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
aircraft

The SS Brioni was a small Italian passenger ship that operated along the scenic Dalmatian coast, ferrying people and goods between the many islands and coastal towns. Her civilian career was cut short by World War II. Following the Italian armistice in September 1943, German forces seized control of the region and pressed many local vessels, including the Brioni, into military service for transporting troops and equipment.

In early 1943, while operating near the strategically important island of Vis, the Brioni was spotted by Allied air patrols. A squadron of British Royal Air Force Beaufighters swooped in to attack. The small steamship stood little chance against the heavily armed aircraft and was quickly sunk, becoming another casualty in the intense battle for control of the Adriatic supply lines.

Today, the Brioni is one of Croatia's most beloved wrecks, resting perfectly upright on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 20 meters. Its shallow depth and excellent condition make it an ideal dive for all skill levels. The wooden superstructure has long since rotted away, revealing the ship's inner framework and creating fantastic swim-throughs. The wreck acts as a thriving artificial reef, teeming with fish, conger eels, and scorpionfish, offering a perfect blend of history and marine biology.

Marine Protected Area: JI strana o. Visa

Nearby Dive Sites in Vis & Biševo

Nearest Dive Centres to Brioni wreck

Marine Life in Vis & Biševo

Home to 144 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 16 sharks & rays, 6 octopus & squid, 5 other, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species