CAPLIA - Ustica

Caplia, for us, is a real character of a wreck. This old steamship, sunk in 1943, sits upright in just 10 metres of water, making it a fantastic dive for newer wreck enthusiasts or anyone looking for a relaxed second dive. You’ll spend your time exploring the bow section, the anchor chain still draped dramatically over the side, and the stern with its prop shaft. We love how much light floods the site; even on a cloudy day, the wreck feels illuminated, the metalwork taking on a soft, muted glow. It's a site that's been thoroughly colonised by the Mediterranean. Look closely and you’ll spot moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads poking out with that perpetually grumpy expression, while schools of damselfish flit above the decks. Our favourite detail is the way the light filters through the remaining structure, creating these shifting patterns on the sandy bottom. Go early in the morning if you can; the water is usually at its calmest, and you get to enjoy the wreck before any other boats arrive. While it's a dangerous wreck, the sections you can explore are open and forgiving, just be mindful of fishing lines.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.049500, 12.976533
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - CAPLIA

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
346 GRT

The SS Caplia is a tangible piece of World War II history resting in the tranquil waters of Ustica. This 346-ton Italian steamship was pressed into service during the war, transporting goods through the highly contested Mediterranean. Its final voyage took place on April 17, 1943, when it was spotted by the British submarine HMS Unshaken. A single, well-aimed torpedo from the submarine found its mark, and the Caplia was sent to the seafloor in a matter of minutes, becoming another casualty of the war at sea.

Because it sank in just 10 meters of water, the Caplia is an incredibly accessible wreck, perfect for divers of all certification levels. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed dives with excellent visibility and vibrant colors from the abundant natural light. While the explosion and subsequent years underwater have broken the ship apart, its boiler and steam engine remain prominent and easily identifiable. The wreckage has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, teeming with octopus, moray eels, and colorful fish, offering a dive that is both historically significant and full of life.

Marine Protected Area: Fondali dello Zingaro

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 CAPLIA

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 CAPLIA

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