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Log This Dive

HMS Thetis

The HMS Thetis, lying off Ustica, is more than just a wreck; it’s a sombre piece of history frozen in time. This 1938 T-class submarine went down during sea trials, a tragedy that cost 99 lives, and we feel that weight when we descend. The wreck itself is remarkably intact for its age, stretched out on the seabed, its outline still clearly that of a submarine. As you explore, you can make out the conning tower, the torpedo tubes, and the sheer scale of the vessel. The Mediterranean’s growth has begun to reclaim it, with bushy coral and sunset cup coral clinging to the metalwork, a beautiful contrast to the dark hull. We’ve seen conger eels peering from dark recesses and the occasional loggerhead turtle gliding past, seemingly unfazed by this metal behemoth. Damsel fish flit around the superstructure in shimmering clouds. Our favourite part has to be the way the light filters through the water, illuminating different sections of the wreck at various times of day. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet dignity of a maritime grave.