A-20 Havoc, plane wreck - Corsica

The A-20 Havoc wreck is a perfect example of why we love diving Corsica. It’s sitting upright on a sandy bottom at 21 metres, almost perfectly intact, which is remarkable for a plane that ditched in 1944. As you descend, the distinct silhouette of the twin-engine bomber slowly takes shape, its wings still spread, one propeller slightly bent from impact. We often find conger eels peering from the cockpit windows, and schools of damselfish flitting around the tail section. Our favourite detail has to be the gun turret, still pointing defiantly into the blue. It’s easy to navigate, so even newer divers can spend their bottom time really exploring the various sections without feeling rushed. We'd suggest going early in the morning for the best light, when the sunbeams really highlight the plane's structure. There’s a quiet dignity to this site, a real sense of history.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.375400, 9.548100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - A-20 Havoc, plane wreck

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

The Douglas A-20 Havoc was a versatile and robust American attack aircraft, a true workhorse of World War II. Thousands were deployed across every theater of the war, including the Mediterranean. During 1944, the island of Corsica was a critical Allied base, launching countless missions against German forces in Italy and supporting the invasion of Southern France. This particular A-20 Havoc was lost during one such operation, a casualty of the intense air war fought over Europe. It came to rest on the seabed, a silent memorial to the airmen who flew it.

Divers can visit this poignant piece of history at a depth of 21 meters off the Corsican coast. The aircraft wreck is remarkably well-preserved, lying upright on the sand. Its distinctive twin engines, wing sections, and parts of the fuselage are clearly identifiable, offering a direct connection to the past. The aluminum skin of the bomber is now home to a variety of marine life, with moray eels often taking up residence within the engine cowlings. Diving the A-20 Havoc is a somber yet fascinating experience, a chance to pay respects while witnessing a unique underwater habitat.

Marine Protected Area: Rivages de casinca

Best Time to Dive in Corsica

The warmest water temperatures in Corsica occur in January, averaging 13.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 13.9°C (air: 9.4°C)
  • February: 13.9°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • March: 13.9°C (air: 11.2°C)
  • April: 13.9°C (air: 13.4°C)
  • May: 13.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • June: 13.9°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • July: 13.9°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • August: 13.9°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • September: 13.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • October: 13.9°C (air: 17.9°C)
  • November: 13.9°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • December: 13.9°C (air: 10.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Corsica

Nearest Dive Centres to A-20 Havoc, plane wreck

Marine Life in Corsica

Home to 225 recorded species including 146 reef fish, 35 sharks & rays, 9 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 other, 5 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for A-20 Havoc, plane wreck

Based on average water temperature of 13.9°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 14°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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