wreck

Log This Dive

Reggio Messina Wreck

We love a good wreck that tells a story, and the Reggio Messina delivers. This isn’t just a pile of metal; it’s a fully colonised artificial reef, sunk intentionally in the 1990s, sitting upright and mostly intact on the seabed. As you descend, the shape of the ferry slowly resolves from the blue, a ghostly silhouette that quickly becomes a vibrant habitat. Schools of barracuda often patrol the upper decks, their silver bodies flashing in the shafts of sunlight that penetrate the water. Inside, the car deck is our favourite part to explore. It’s dark, almost cathedral-like, and you’ll need a good torch to pick out the resident conger eels tucked into shadowy corners, their heads poking out from pipes and crevices. The wheelhouse is still largely recognisable, a haunting shell where you can almost imagine the captain’s last moments. For photographers, the soft light filtering through the portholes creates incredible opportunities, especially in the late morning. We’d suggest going early to avoid the crowds, as it’s a popular spot. While currents are generally mild here, keep an eye on the thermocline; it can drop significantly, so bring a decent hood. This wreck suits divers who appreciate history, enjoy penetration, and want to spend a leisurely bottom time exploring every nook and cranny.