ASHANTI PALM
Protected Area
Parco sommerso di Gaiola
Why dive here
With 136+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobula rays (devil rays), octopuses and sea turtles - ASHANTI PALM offers some of Naples & Campania's richest wreck diving.
The Ashanti Palm is a proper old-school wreck, and we love it for its story. This steamship met a dramatic end in 1962, pushed onto the breakwater during a storm. Now, she rests upright in just 5 metres of water, making her ideal for newer divers or anyone wanting a relaxed, long bottom time. You’ll weave through the collapsed deck structures, seeing sunlight dapple the hold where schools of damselfish now dart in and out. The ship's bow, crumpled from its impact, tells a clear tale of its final moments. What we really enjoy here is the way the wreck has become part of the seascape. You’ll spot nudibranchs grazing on the metal, conger eels peeking from shadowy crevices, and often, a large grouper lurking near the deeper sections of the hull. It's a surprisingly vibrant spot for such a shallow wreck. We’d suggest an early morning dive to avoid any boat traffic, especially in summer. The visibility can be excellent, though a westerly wind can stir things up a bit. It’s a great site for photographers too, with plenty of interesting angles and natural light.
Typical ASHANTI PALM Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ASHANTI PALM Wreck History
Year Sunk
1962
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
The ASHANTI PALM was a proud member of the Palm Line, a prominent British shipping company that specialized in the bustling West African trade routes. From 1949, these vessels were a common sight along the 5,000-mile coastline from Morocco to Angola, carrying goods and connecting continents. The ASHANTI PALM was a workhorse of this fleet, contributing to the post-war global trade network.
Her career came to a dramatic end in November 1962. While navigating the waters near Naples, the steamship was caught in a severe storm. The powerful winds and relentless waves proved too much for the vessel, driving her against the port's breakwater. The impact tore a fatal hole in her hull, and the ASHANTI PALM quickly succumbed to the sea, sinking close to the shore.
Today, the wreck lies in just 5 meters of water, making it an incredibly accessible site. However, it is classified as a dangerous wreck, likely due to sharp, twisted metal and the potential for strong surge in its shallow location. For cautious divers, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a maritime disaster, with the scattered remains of the cargo ship serving as a stark reminder of the sea's unforgiving power off the coast of Campania.
Nearest Dive Centres to ASHANTI PALM
Dive shops near ASHANTI PALM
Centro Sub Campi Flegrei
Mediterranea Sport
Centro Sub Campi Flegrei Srl
Sea World
BANCO DI SANTA CROCE DIVING
Punta Campanella Diving Sorrento
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