wreck

Log This Dive

FORT PELLY

Fort Pelly, a steamship sunk in 1943 during the Allied landings in Sicily, is a real favourite of ours. She sits in a surprisingly shallow five metres, making her accessible to just about anyone. Even from the surface, you can see her ghostly outline, and as you descend, the sheer scale of the wreck starts to sink in. We love how the light plays on her structure, illuminating bits of twisted metal and corroded hull, creating these dramatic shadows. Despite the relatively shallow depth, there's a lot to explore here. We like to imagine the chaos of her sinking as we fin past the scattered debris, now home to clouds of juvenile damselfish and the occasional inquisitive octopus peering from a dark recess. The wreck has become an artificial reef, of course, and you'll spot plenty of glinting silversides darting in and out of her superstructure. It's a poignant, yet vibrant site, and a perfect spot for divers who enjoy a bit of history with their marine life, or for those just starting out with wreck diving. Go early, before the day boats arrive, for the best light and atmosphere.