AMELIA S - Naples & Campania

The Amelia S, resting at a gentle 17 metres in the Bay of Naples, is a lovely wreck dive that we always recommend for divers looking for something a bit different. She went down back in 1971, not from a storm or a collision, but from a rivet failure – a real ‘oops’ moment for the shipbuilders. Now, nearly fifty years on, she's an artificial reef absolutely covered in life. When you drop down, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of silversides shimmering around the superstructure. It's like diving into a cloud of glitter, particularly on a sunny afternoon. We love poking around the bridge area, where you can often spot inquisitive octopus peeking out from behind a growth of yellow sponges, or the occasional moray eel nestled deep in a crack. The visibility here can be excellent, especially outside of peak summer. We’d suggest going early in the morning to get the best light filtering through the water and to avoid any potential boat traffic from the nearby marinas. It’s an easy wreck to navigate, relatively intact, and a really atmospheric dive for anyone who enjoys a bit of history with their marine life.

Location
Naples & Campania, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
41.234000, 13.599834
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - AMELIA S

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The final voyage of the Amelia S began on October 20, 1971, as she sailed from Baia, near Naples, with a destination of Cagliari, Sardinia. Her journey was cut tragically short when a catastrophic structural failure occurred. The riveting on her hull plates gave way, and the sea rushed in, sending the vessel to the bottom of the Gulf of Naples. The cause was not a storm or collision, but a simple, fatal flaw in her construction, marking a sudden and unexpected end for the ship and her crew.

Today, the Amelia S rests in just 17 meters of water, making her an exceptionally accessible and popular wreck dive in the Campania region. Her shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration, illuminating the structure for photographers and explorers alike. While the wreck is largely intact, divers should be aware of its 'Dangerous Wreck' classification, indicating potential hazards like sharp metal or entanglement points. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting a wide array of Mediterranean marine life and offering a fascinating glimpse into a maritime tragedy.

Marine Protected Area: Oasi blu di Monte Orlando

Nearby Dive Sites in Naples & Campania

Nearest Dive Centres to AMELIA S

Marine Life in Naples & Campania

Home to 142 recorded species including 91 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 5 hard corals, 5 other, 4 crabs & lobsters, 4 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species