wreck

Log This Dive

EDUARDO LOPES

The Eduardo Lopes is a trawler, split into two main sections, lying in shallow water off Cabo Espichel. We love this site because it’s surprisingly atmospheric for a wreck at just 6m. It went down in fog after hitting Pedras Negras rocks back in '73, and you can almost feel that history as you approach the twisted metal. The bow section is the more intact part, with some hull plates still holding together, creating interesting swim-throughs if you're careful. Our favourite spot is around the stern, where the engine room has mostly collapsed, but it’s now home to some impressively large octopus. You often see them peeking out from under a plate or even on top of the structure, changing colour with your approach. Small schools of juvenile seabream dart in and out of the openings, and the occasional conger eel makes an appearance from deeper crevices. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking for an accessible wreck with character, and for newer divers keen to experience their first proper wreck dive without worrying about depth or complex navigation. Just watch out for stronger surge if the northwesterly winds are up; it can kick up the sand and drop visibility quickly.