ATHENSBURG - Alonissos Marine Park

We’re big fans of the Athensburg, a carrier vessel that went down in ’73. It’s a proper ship, 78 metres long, lying upright on the seabed at 20 metres, which makes it pretty accessible. The structure itself is still largely intact. You can swim into the cargo holds, where the light shafts down through the open decks – it’s a bit eerie, but in a good way, and the sense of history is palpable. What makes this wreck special, for us, is the way the Mediterranean has completely taken it over. Schools of barracuda hang off the bow, almost blending in with the rusted metal. Inside the holds, you'll spot moray eels tucked into every crevice, and the walls are fuzzy with vibrant sponges and tube worms. It’s a great dive for anyone keen on wreck penetration without extreme depths, and the marine life adds a fantastic bonus. Our tip: go in the morning; the light penetration into the holds is best then.

Location
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.815666, 23.516000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - ATHENSBURG

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
1,999 GRT

Launched in Lübeck, Germany, in 1953 as the 'Bilbao', this classic mid-century cargo carrier spent two decades plying trade routes under various names. In 1972, she was purchased by the Hercules Shipping Corporation and renamed Athensburg. Her new career would be short-lived.

In January 1973, while on a passage from Piraeus, the Athensburg encountered severe weather. On January 14, she struck a reef and foundered just off the coast of Alonissos island. The crew was safely rescued, but the ship was a total loss, sinking to the seabed where she remains today.

The Athensburg now lies on a sandy bottom at a depth of 20 metres, making her a perfect and highly accessible wreck dive within the Alonissos Marine Park. The vessel is upright and largely intact, allowing for easy and enjoyable exploration of her decks, cargo holds, and superstructure. The clear Aegean water and abundant marine life have turned this 20th-century freighter into a beautiful artificial reef, popular with divers of all levels.

Marine Protected Area: THALASSIA PERIOCHI KAI YFALOI VOREIOANATOLIKIS EVVOIAS

Best Time to Dive in Alonissos Marine Park

The warmest water temperatures in Alonissos Marine Park occur in August, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.5°C
  • February: 13.9°C
  • March: 14.2°C
  • April: 15.4°C
  • May: 18.7°C
  • June: 23.5°C
  • July: 26.5°C
  • August: 27.2°C
  • September: 25.3°C
  • October: 22.8°C
  • November: 19.9°C
  • December: 16.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Alonissos Marine Park

Nearest Dive Centres to ATHENSBURG

Marine Life in Alonissos Marine Park

Home to 16 recorded species including 3 whales & dolphins, 3 reef fish, 2 other, 2 hard corals, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ATHENSBURG

Based on average water temperature of 19.9°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°C water
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Athens Scuba Park?
The typical diving depth at the ATHENSBURG wreck is 20 meters. This intermediate-level dive allows for exploration of a historic carrier vessel, providing a unique underwater experience.
What kind of underwater attractions and marine life can divers expect to see at Athens Scuba Park?
At the ATHENSBURG site, divers can expect to explore a fascinating carrier vessel, sunk on January 14, 1973. This 78.6m x 12.8m wreck, originally built in 1953, serves as the primary underwater attraction. While specific marine life details are not provided in the data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging are the dives at Athens Scuba Park, and is it suitable for beginners?
Dives at the ATHENSBURG wreck are classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and the depth of 20 meters, it is generally not suitable for beginners. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for this site.
What are the best months or times of year to go diving at Athens Scuba Park?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best months or times of year to go diving at the ATHENSBURG wreck. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Greece, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Athens Scuba Park, especially for wreck penetration or solo diving?
Given the ATHENSBURG wreck's intermediate difficulty and "Dangerous wreck" classification, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While specific certifications for wreck penetration or solo diving are not detailed in the provided data, these activities typically require specialized training beyond standard recreational limits.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Athens Scuba Park?
The provided data for the ATHENSBURG wreck does not include specific details regarding typical water conditions, visibility, or currents. Divers are advised to check local conditions with a dive operator in Alonissos before planning their dive.