wreck

Log This Dive

DEGAMA

DEGAMA. Just the name sounds like a story, doesn’t it? This steamship, all 103 metres of her, has been resting on the seabed off Las Palmas since 1914. You feel that history as soon as you descend. She’s surprisingly intact for her age, with massive boilers and parts of the engine room still discernible, even if time and the Atlantic have done their work. We love the fact that she’s shallow, just 9 metres, making for long bottom times and plenty of light. Sunlight streams through openings, illuminating schools of sardines that flicker like silver confetti. You’ll weave through huge plates of steel, now heavily encrusted with sponges and hydroids, providing shelter for moray eels and the occasional octopus peeking from a dark crevice. Our favourite spot is around the stern, where the propeller shaft is still visible. It's a real photo opportunity down there. Be aware of fishing lines, especially near the bow – a good dive knife is always a smart idea here. This isn’t a penetration dive, but you can explore the outer structure for a good hour without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for anyone keen on wreck diving without the depth.