CHEMICAL CHALLENGER - Portofino & Liguria

The *Chemical Challenger* is a big ol' beast of a wreck, a tanker that met its end spectacularly in 1981 after an explosion ripped through its bow. We love that fiery history, it gives the whole dive a real sense of drama. Dropping down to 30 meters, you’re greeted by the sheer scale of the thing – 170 meters of crumpled steel. It’s not a site for poking into tiny crevices, but rather for appreciating the grandeur of a shipwreck. Our favourite part is exploring the bridge area, where schools of barracuda often hang motionless, their silver scales catching the light that penetrates from above. You can peek into the shattered superstructure, imagining the chaos of its final moments. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into the darker corners and the occasional scorpionfish camouflaged on the deck plates. This wreck is surprisingly intact in places, offering plenty to explore on a single dive and we think it’s best suited for divers comfortable with depth and who appreciate a substantial piece of history. Dive it early to beat any crowds and enjoy the clearer morning light.

Location

Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

44.000000, 9.833333

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

30m

Marine Protected Area: Isole Tino - Tinetto