wreck

Log This Dive

L avion

L'Avion, near Marseille, isn't just another chunk of metal at the bottom. This isn't one for the purists seeking untouched coral, but if you love a good story and metal that’s slowly turning into reef, you’re in for a treat. This German Junkers JU 88, a bomber shot down in 1944, sits mostly intact at around 40 metres. You descend into a deep blue, and then the silhouette slowly emerges – the wings are still largely there, as is the fuselage, though it’s split towards the tail. We love finning along the wing, watching shoals of damselfish flicker in and out of the bomb bay doors. Moray eels poke their heads from within the crumpled cockpit, and sometimes you’ll spot a conger eel, thick as a thigh, tucked into the engine cowling. It’s a proper penetration dive for those with the training, exploring the pilot’s station, but even staying on the exterior offers plenty to see. The depth means nitrox is a sensible choice here, giving you more time to absorb the history and watch the light play on the encrusting sponges. Our favourite is the way the sun catches the leading edge of the wing, illuminating the little blennies that dart across the metal.