ALERTE - Marseille & Calanques

The Alerte wreck is just plain fun, particularly if you’re into the historical aspect of diving. It sits upright in a sheltered bay, perfectly preserved at a shallow eight metres, making it accessible to pretty much anyone comfortable in the water. We love a good piece of history, and this one, a French Navy patrol boat scuttled in 1944, gives you a real feel for the past. Swimming along its deck, you can peer into the holds, imagine the crew moving about. Schools of silvery damselfish dart around the superstructure, and we’ve often spotted small octopus tucked into crevices in the hull plates. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace. Take your time, really look at the details, and let the story of the Alerte unfold around you. Our favourite part? The way the Mediterranean light filters through the water, illuminating patches of the wreck in a constantly shifting display. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for knocking off the rust or introducing a friend to wreck diving without the usual deep-water intensity.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.113224, 5.894694
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - ALERTE

Year Sunk
1809
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The story of the wreck known as the "Alerte" is one of high-seas adventure from the Napoleonic era. She began life as the *Highlander*, a British West Indiaman launched in 1805 to trade with the Americas. In 1807, her fate took a dramatic turn when she was captured by the French after a fierce and bloody battle. Among her passengers was a British naval officer who, despite being taken prisoner, managed to escape and would later rise to the rank of Rear Admiral.

After her capture, the ship eventually returned to British ownership, but her luck had run out. In 1809, she was wrecked and lost to the sea. Today, her remains lie scattered in the shallow waters of Marseille at a depth of just 8 meters. Classified as a dangerous wreck, the site is a jumble of history, a tangible connection to a turbulent past, easily accessible to divers exploring the beautiful Calanques coastline.

Marine Protected Area: Cap Sicie - Six Fours

Best Time to Dive in Marseille & Calanques

The warmest water temperatures in Marseille & Calanques 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: 8.8°C)
  • February: 13.9°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • March: 13.9°C (air: 11.6°C)
  • April: 13.9°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • May: 13.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • June: 13.9°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • July: 13.9°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • August: 13.9°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • September: 13.9°C (air: 21.3°C)
  • October: 13.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • November: 13.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • December: 13.9°C (air: 9.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Marseille & Calanques

Nearest Dive Centres to ALERTE

Marine Life in Marseille & Calanques

Home to 163 recorded species including 101 reef fish, 17 sharks & rays, 10 whales & dolphins, 6 crabs & lobsters, 6 octopus & squid, 5 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALERTE

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