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ELIHU YALE

The Elihu Yale isn’t just a wreck dive, it’s a tangible piece of history sitting right off the coast near Anzio. We love that you can practically reach out and touch the past here. Sunk in 1944 after an aerial attack, this Liberty ship lies in shockingly shallow water – a mere metre deep. That’s right, one metre. This isn't a dive for exploring deep holds, but rather a unique opportunity to experience a significant wartime relic from the surface, often visible simply by snorkelling or even peering down from a boat on a calm day. It’s our favourite kind of historical site, because the Elihu Yale has become an artificial reef in its own right. Sunlight penetrates easily, illuminating the skeletal remains of the ship. You’ll spot small shoals of juvenile fish flitting through the rusted structure, maybe a curious octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s perfect for snorkelers or very shallow freediving, offering a meditative, almost melancholic experience. Go on a sunny morning before the boat traffic picks up; the light on the metal is quite something.