MV Equa (Wreck) - Portofino & Liguria

The MV Equa wreck in Portofino is one of those sites we always try to get back to. She sits upright at 36 metres, a proper, intact cargo ship sunk in 1944. Dropping down, you’re greeted by the ghostly silhouette emerging from the blue, often surrounded by schools of shimmering damselfish. What we love about the Equa is how much there is to poke around. You can fin past the holds, explore the wheelhouse, and peek into the engine room. Every visit, we spot something new, a huge moray eel peeking from a pipe or a colourful nudibranch crawling on the deck plating. The wreck’s structure itself is a canvas for marine life; we’ve seen impressive gorgonian fans and sponges covering large sections, drawing in small groupers and scorpionfish. It’s a photographer’s dream, particularly on a sunny day when light shafts penetrate the shallower parts of the superstructure. Given the depth, it’s definitely one for intermediate divers comfortable with their buoyancy, as silting can be an issue inside. We always suggest going early in the morning to beat any potential crowds and enjoy the best visibility. The Equa offers a real sense of history combined with a thriving artificial reef.

Location

Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

44.076400, 9.705000

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

36m

Difficulty

Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Area marina protetta Cinque Terre