wreck

Log This Dive

CONTESSA VIV

The Contessa Viv is one of our favourites on the South Coast, a real cracker of a wreck sitting upright in about 28 metres. She went down in ’86, caught out in a storm, and you can almost feel that drama when you’re down there, despite the calm. We always find the wheelhouse the most compelling part to explore, especially when the light catches the old dials. Look closely along the deck for conger eels peering out from under plating and around the stern, where the prop is often silhouetted against the ambient light, for pollack schooling. The wreck itself, a substantial trawler at 32 metres long, offers plenty of penetration opportunities for those with the right training, but even staying outside, there’s enough structure to keep you busy for a whole dive. We’d suggest going at slack tide, as currents can pick up here, making it a bit of a workout otherwise. It’s a site that really delivers, especially for divers who appreciate a wreck with a story.