Y.M.S. 24 (PART OF) - Marseille & Calanques

The Y.M.S. 24, or what’s left of her, is a proper technical dive, and we rate it highly for that specific crowd. Sitting at 55 metres, this American minesweeper was lost during Operation Dragoon in 1944. What you find now is a fractured wreck, split into several pieces, which makes for a fascinating exploration. We love navigating the debris field, poking around the ribs of her hull. The sheer scale of the breaks gives it a raw, almost violent feel, a stark reminder of her demise. Visibility here can be excellent, especially outside of summer, often pushing 20 metres, making the descent into the deep blue a real treat. Keep an eye out for conger eels peering from every crevice, and big lobsters tucked into the darker corners. We often find large schools of barracuda hanging just off the wreck, silhouetted against the surface light. It’s a dive that rewards careful planning and respect for depth, ideal for experienced technical divers looking for a piece of history with a real sense of place. Expect a good current sometimes; it’s the Med, after all.

Location
Marseille & Calanques, France, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.396667, 6.753167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Embouchure de l'Argens

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 Y.M.S. 24 (PART OF)

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 Y.M.S. 24 (PART OF)

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