BIRILLO - Ustica

The Birillo, a tug sunk deliberately in 1955, lies quietly off Ustica’s coast, making for a truly special deep dive. It’s not just a pile of metal; this wreck has become a proper home for the local residents. We love dropping down onto her decks, the structure still very much intact, despite the decades underwater. As you descend, the visibility often plays tricks, creating an almost eerie approach, then suddenly she’s there, a dark silhouette against the blue. It’s a dive that rewards good buoyancy and a calm approach. The bow points towards shore, and you can explore the wheelhouse and engine room, if you're qualified and careful. Our favourite part is lingering around the stern, where damselfish and sea bream dart in and out of the rust-coloured metal. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into every crevice; they’re often curious. This isn't a dive for beginners, but for experienced wreck divers, the Birillo offers a real sense of history and discovery, especially in the quieter morning hours before the boat traffic picks up.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.737568, 15.210733
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Wreck History - BIRILLO

Year Sunk
1955
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
unknown

For the technically trained diver, the wreck of the tugboat Birillo offers a compelling deep dive in the famously clear waters of Ustica, Italy. The vessel sank in May 1955 and now rests upright on a sandy seabed at 55 meters. This depth puts it beyond the reach of recreational divers, preserving it for those with the skills and equipment to explore safely. The Birillo is a small but fascinating wreck, with its powerful, compact shape still clearly discernible.

Descending through the deep blue of the Mediterranean, divers will see the tugboat emerge from the depths below. Its deck, wheelhouse, and towing equipment provide plenty of features to investigate. The clear water offers fantastic visibility, and the wreck is often patrolled by large amberjacks and dentex. As a non-dangerous wreck, it presents a straightforward and deeply rewarding technical dive that combines a piece of mid-century maritime history with the stunning marine environment of the Ustica marine reserve.

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Taormina - Isola Bella

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 BIRILLO

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 BIRILLO

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