ADERNO - Corsica

The Adorno, sunk in 1942, is one of Corsica's most atmospheric deep wrecks. It sits upright at 55 metres, a proper steamship with real presence on the seabed. We love drifting along her deck, imagining the wartime drama that brought her down. Her holds are open in places, offering glimpses into the dark interior, but it's the superstructure that really draws us in. Look for the massive propeller, often obscured by schools of damselfish that scatter as you approach. Visibility here is usually excellent, common for Corsica, but the depth means you’ll want to be comfortable with your gas management. The Adorno is a fantastic technical dive, but even advanced recreational divers can make a good, albeit brief, visit if they're careful with their bottom time. Keep an eye out for conger eels peering from every dark nook. She’s a grand old lady of the deep, providing a real sense of history.

Location
Corsica, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.070000, 11.746667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Wreck History - ADERNO

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The story of the Aderno is a dramatic tale of capture and conflict from the Second World War. The ship began her life in 1912 as the Ardeola, a British steamship belonging to the Yeoward Line, likely spending her early decades peacefully plying trade routes. The outbreak of war, however, would drastically change her destiny.

In November 1942, while in the Mediterranean, the vessel was caught in a searchlight at Bizerta, Tunisia, and captured by Axis forces. Renamed Aderno and pressed into Italian service, her fate was sealed on July 23, 1943. While sailing off the coast of Corsica, she was targeted by one of the Royal Navy's most famous submarines, HMS Torbay, under the command of Victoria Cross recipient Lt. Cdr. Anthony Miers. A successful torpedo strike sent the Aderno to the bottom, another casualty of the intense naval warfare in the Mediterranean.

Today, the Aderno rests at a depth of 55 meters, placing it firmly in the realm of technical diving. This is a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced, suitably qualified divers. The wreck is a tangible piece of WWII history, and descending through the blue Corsican waters to see its form emerge from the depths is an unforgettable experience. The depth has helped preserve the wreck, offering a sombre but fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in naval history.

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 ADERNO

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 ADERNO

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