FORT PELLY - Ustica

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.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.233334, 15.216667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Saline di Augusta

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 FORT PELLY

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 FORT PELLY

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Fort Pelly?
The typical diving depth at Fort Pelly is 5 meters, making it a relatively shallow and accessible wreck dive. This allows for extended bottom times and excellent light penetration, enhancing the experience of exploring this historic site. You can find more details about this dive at Fort Pelly.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see at Fort Pelly?
Divers at Fort Pelly can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, which sank on July 20, 1943. This substantial wreck measures 129.2m x 17.4m and is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, offering a fascinating underwater feature. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine species over time.
How difficult is diving at Fort Pelly, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Fort Pelly is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it is not typically suitable for absolute beginner divers without prior experience or specialized training. Divers should possess the necessary skills and confidence for wreck diving at this level to safely enjoy the site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Fort Pelly for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Fort Pelly for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the wider region of Italy, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Fort Pelly?
While the provided data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements, given that Fort Pelly is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, divers should typically hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. It is always best to confirm with local dive operators in Ustica Island for their precise requirements and recommendations.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the Fort Pelly dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual currents or water conditions at the Fort Pelly dive site. For the most current and accurate information on local conditions, it is highly recommended to consult with dive centers in Ustica Island before planning your dive.