wreck

Log This Dive

MARK LANE

The Mark Lane is one of Al Hoceima’s genuine surprises. We love a Mediterranean wreck, especially one with a bit of history, and this carrier vessel, sunk in 1912, delivers. She sits upright at a comfortable 15 metres, making her an ideal dive for newer wreck enthusiasts or for anyone who enjoys a long, relaxed exploration. What strikes you first is her sheer size – 87.5 metres of structure that have become a living reef. As you descend, the sheer bulk of the hull appears out of the blue, often hazy with schools of juvenile barracuda. We always head for the stern first; the propeller is still mostly intact, and often holds a few grumpy moray eels staring out from the shadows. Swimming along the deck, you’ll pass cavernous holds now home to groupers, their dark forms visible deep within. The superstructure is quite broken up in places, but there are plenty of interesting nooks and crannies to peer into, just remember to stay clear of anything that looks unstable. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the broken sections, highlighting sponges and colourful nudibranchs clinging to the metal. It’s a proper piece of history down there, slowly being reclaimed by the sea.