OLD FATHER - Zakynthos & Ionian Islands

We’ve dived a lot of wrecks in the Med, and the Old Father, despite its relatively shallow depth, always stands out. This isn’t one of those deep, dark mysteries. The carrier vessel, sunk in 1991, lies completely on its port side in 18 metres of clear water, making it surprisingly accessible and well-lit. What we love about it is how complete it still feels – you can make out so much of its original structure. Swimming over the deck, the main superstructure dominates, a stark silhouette against the blue. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the railings, and we often spot moray eels peering out from the deeper crevices. Our favourite part is exploring the stern; the propeller is still there, massive and encrusted, and there are openings into the hold where dusky groupers often lurk. You get this real sense of its former life, carrying cargo from Constanța to Chioggia, before that fateful grounding in the fog. It’s a dive that suits anyone comfortable with wrecks, offering plenty to see without any serious depth challenges.

Location

Zakynthos & Ionian Islands, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

39.178920, 20.175970

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

18m

Marine Protected Area: NISOI PAXOI KAI ANTIPAXOI KAI EVRYTERI THALASSIA PERIOCHI