wreck

Log This Dive

Abyss Garden

Abyss Garden. The name sounds deep, doesn't it? And it is, in character if not always in absolute depth. What we love about this site in the Medes Islands is how the wreck of the Reggio Messina isn't just a hunk of metal, but a real, living, breathing structure. It’s a former cargo ship that sank in 1993, now completely reclaimed by the sea. You'll find the wreck broken into two main sections. The bow lies closer to the shallows, around 20-25 metres, and the stern section drops a bit deeper, down to about 30-35 metres. We usually start at the deeper end, letting the currents – which can be pretty feisty here, especially in spring – carry us gently towards the bow. The light filters down, creating these incredible shafts through the structure. Look for the massive schools of damselfish that pulse around the superstructure, almost like a separate, shimmering skin. Our pick for exploration is the engine room, if you're comfortable with a bit of penetration. It’s not a tight squeeze, but a torch is essential. Inside, the red coral absolutely explodes, creating these vibrant splashes of colour against the rusted steel. Outside, keep an eye out for marbled electric rays resting on the sand, and we’ve even spotted seahorses clinging to the Mediterranean tapeweed near the anchor chain. It’s a site that really rewards a slower pace, letting you soak in the transformation from man-made to natural habitat.