ATHENSBURG
Protected Area
THALASSIA PERIOCHI KAI YFALOI VOREIOANATOLIKIS EVVOIAS
Why dive here
ATHENSBURG is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins and sea turtles. Water ranges 15-26°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical ATHENSBURG Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ATHENSBURG Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to ATHENSBURG
Dive shops near ATHENSBURG
KAZANAS DIVE CENTRE
AegeanSeals Diving Center
Thalassa Diving Center Chalkis
Alonissos Seacolours
Aquacore Divers
Reviews for ATHENSBURG
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ATHENSBURG
ATHENSBURG Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ATHENSBURG, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (38.09, 24.15) (15km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
23°C
73°F · Range: 21–25.6°C
Current Speed
1.41 cm/s
Direction: SW (225°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.13 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
34.63 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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