ALMERIAN - Ustica

The Almerian wreck off Ustica is less about big thrills and more about quiet exploration. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at 16 meters, which we love for its accessibility and generous bottom time. What was once a British steamship, sunk by a torpedo in October 1918, is now a series of broken sections spread across a sandy seabed. You won't find an intact hull here, but that's part of its charm. We particularly enjoy tracing the debris field, imagining the moments of its sinking. The real draw, for us, is the way the Mediterranean has reclaimed it. Schools of damselfish shimmer over the metal plates, and every crack and crevice seems to host moray eels or nimble slipper lobsters. Keep an eye out for octopus, too; they often camouflage themselves so perfectly you only spot them when they decide to glide away. The scattered sections mean there’s always something new to investigate, making it a surprisingly engaging dive for all levels, even if you’re just getting comfortable with wreck sites. It's a gentle introduction to history underwater.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.189000, 13.648833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Wreck History - ALMERIAN

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,030 GRT

The SS Almerian was a British cargo steamship caught in the crosshairs of World War I's relentless U-boat campaign. On October 19, 1918, just three weeks before the armistice that would end the war, the Almerian was steaming through the Mediterranean Sea. Its journey was cut short off the coast of the remote volcanic island of Ustica, Italy, when it was torpedoed by the German submarine UB-105. The attack was swift and fatal, sending the 3,030-ton vessel to the bottom of the sea.

Today, the Almerian rests at an accessible depth of 16 meters, making it a popular and fascinating dive for visitors to Ustica's renowned marine protected area. The wreck is broken but still recognizable, with its bow and stern sections offering plenty to explore. Divers can swim around the ship's boilers and cargo holds, now encrusted with marine life and patrolled by large schools of damselfish and barracuda. The Almerian serves as a poignant underwater memorial to the final, desperate days of the Great War and the countless merchant mariners who were lost.

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Torre Salsa

Best Time to Dive in Ustica

The warmest water temperatures in Ustica occur in January, averaging 15.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 15.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.5°C (air: 13.6°C)
  • February: 15.5°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • March: 15.5°C (air: 13.6°C)
  • April: 15.5°C (air: 15.0°C)
  • May: 15.5°C (air: 18.5°C)
  • June: 15.5°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • July: 15.5°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • August: 15.5°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • September: 15.5°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • October: 15.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • November: 15.5°C (air: 18.6°C)
  • December: 15.5°C (air: 15.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Ustica

Nearest Dive Centres to ALMERIAN

Marine Life in Ustica

Home to 63 recorded species including 41 reef fish, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALMERIAN

Based on average water temperature of 15.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 15°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories