CALIFA

The Califa was a Spanish mail and passenger ship that served the route between the mainland and the Balearic Islands. For years, she was a vital link for commerce and travel in the region, a familiar sight in the western Mediterranean. Her career came to an abrupt and tragic end in the pre-dawn hours of September 7, 1954, while en route from Palma de Mallorca to Alicante.

Navigating through a dense, disorienting fog, the Califa's crew misjudged their position and struck the treacherous submerged rocks of Bajo de Fuera, part of the Hormigas Islands Marine Reserve. The impact tore a fatal gash in her hull, and the ship sank rapidly, coming to rest upright on the seabed. The proximity to the coast allowed for a swift rescue, but the ship itself was a total loss, becoming another victim of this notorious shipping hazard.

Today, the Califa is a challenging and rewarding technical dive, resting at a depth of 58 meters. This is a dive strictly for experienced, certified trimix divers. The wreck sits upright and is largely intact, though time and the sea are taking their toll. Divers can explore the decks and superstructure, now draped in marine growth and patrolled by large dentex and groupers. The depth, potential for strong currents, and the need for decompression make this a serious undertaking, but for those qualified, it's a hauntingly beautiful dive into Spanish maritime history.