HMS Tribune - Ustica

The HMS Tribune is a proper deep dive, a T-class submarine sunk deliberately as an artificial reef back in 1999. Dropping down onto it, you can just make out the conning tower emerging from the gloom, sitting upright and mostly intact on the seabed at around 50 metres. We love how it feels like a discovery every time, a substantial piece of history resting quietly. Pushing a little deeper, the bow guns are still there, overgrown with gorgonian fans and clouds of damselfish darting in and out of the structure. Penetration isn't really an option here, but you can explore the exterior, finning along the deck towards the stern, spotting moray eels tucked into the torpedo tubes. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth, but the calm Mediterranean currents usually make for a relaxed drift. Visibility here is often 30 metres plus, so you get some fantastic views of the whole submarine as you descend. Our favourite part is lingering over the forward deck, watching the schools of barracuda circle high above the wreck.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.233334, 15.983334
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Fondali Scogli di Isca

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 HMS Tribune

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 HMS Tribune

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