ARMANT - Larnaca

steam ship vessel. sunk 19790112. BUILT 1948 BY W GRAY & CO. LTD., HARTLEPOOL. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY THE EGYPTIAN NAVIGATION CO. SANK IN MERSIN ROADS AFTER A FIRE. VESSEL HAD BEEN LOADING COTTON BOUND FOR VENICE & TRIES. Dimensions: 102.3m x 14.4m. Classification: Dangerous wreck.

Location
Larnaca, Cyprus, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.770668, 34.683000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Wreck History - ARMANT

Year Sunk
1979
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
fire
Tonnage
1,847 GRT

The SS Armant was a post-war steamship built in 1948 in Hartlepool, UK, for the Egyptian Navigation Company. Her final, fateful voyage began in January 1979 in Mersin, Turkey, where she was taking on a highly flammable cargo of cotton. A fire broke out deep within her holds, and despite efforts to control it, the blaze became an inferno, sealing the ship's fate. She subsequently sank in the Mersin Roads.

The story doesn't end there. The wreck was later re-floated and towed to Cyprus, where it eventually sank again just outside Larnaca. Today, the Armant lies in just 14 metres of water, making it a fantastic and accessible dive for all levels, including beginners. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and provides excellent natural light for underwater photographers. Divers can easily explore the ship's structure, peering into the holds that once carried the cargo that led to her demise.

Best Time to Dive in Larnaca

The warmest water temperatures in Larnaca occur in January, averaging 18.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.5°C (air: 13.1°C)
  • February: 18.5°C (air: 12.9°C)
  • March: 18.5°C (air: 14.7°C)
  • April: 18.5°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • May: 18.5°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • June: 18.5°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • July: 18.5°C (air: 29.9°C)
  • August: 18.5°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • September: 18.5°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 18.5°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • November: 18.5°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • December: 18.5°C (air: 15.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Larnaca

Nearest Dive Centres to ARMANT

Marine Life in Larnaca

Home to 54 recorded species including 32 reef fish, 9 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 hard corals, 2 other, 2 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARMANT

Based on average water temperature of 18.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories