AURORA (PROBABLY) - Budva & Bar

Aurora. Or maybe not. Even the local dive centres aren’t entirely sure about this one’s identity, but we love it regardless. What we do know is that it’s a merchant vessel, sunk in 1992 after a collision near Dubrovnik. It sits upright, proud, and surprisingly intact at a comfortable 10 metres. The bow points seaward, and the stern, where the impact likely occurred, shows the most damage. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the clear Adriatic water, illuminating the main deck. It’s a shallow wreck, meaning plenty of bottom time to explore the cargo holds, now open to the sea. Schools of damselfish flutter in and out of the superstructure, and if you peek into some of the darker corners, you might spot a moray eel or a grumpy scorpionfish. We’ve even seen small octopuses tucked away in crevices on the hull. It’s a melancholy dive, knowing its history, but the life that has embraced it makes it an engaging site for anyone who enjoys easy wreck penetration and clear visibility.

Location
Budva & Bar, Montenegro, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
42.658585, 18.082666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - AURORA (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1992
Vessel Type
merchant ship
Cause
collision

The sinking of the merchant vessel Aurora was a modern maritime tragedy. On May 6, 1992, while approaching a berth in Dubrovnik, the ship was involved in a catastrophic collision with the Yugoslavian roll-on/roll-off ferry 'Ilirija'. The impact was devastating, and the Aurora sank almost immediately. Of the 86 passengers and four crew members aboard, only 22 were rescued, marking a significant loss of life in the Adriatic.

Today, the wreck lies in just 10 meters of water between Budva and Bar in Montenegro, making it an extremely accessible dive for all skill levels, including beginners. Despite its shallow depth, the site is a somber one, serving as a memorial to those who perished. Divers can explore the largely intact structure of this relatively recent wreck, but are reminded to do so with respect for its tragic history and the souls lost in the disaster.

Nearby Dive Sites in Budva & Bar

Nearest Dive Centres to AURORA (PROBABLY)

Marine Life in Budva & Bar

Home to 71 recorded species including 40 reef fish, 16 sharks & rays, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 octopus & squid.

Notable Species