BESSY G. - Tabarka

The Bessy G. is a proper old girl, a freighter that ran aground off Ras el Koran back in '78. We love a wreck with a story, and this one, sitting upright at just 12 metres, tells hers pretty clearly. You can see the damage from the grounding on the port side, where the hull is buckled. Descending onto the deck, you’ll fin past the superstructure, now completely colonised by sponges and soft corals. Our favourite part has to be exploring the cargo holds, where sunlight streams in from above, illuminating shoals of damselfish darting between the decaying metal. Look closer and you'll spot moray eels peering from crevices, and the occasional octopus tucked into a dark corner. We'd suggest going in the late morning; the light penetration is just lovely then, really bringing out the colours of the gorgonians. It’s an accessible wreck, ideal for anyone comfortable with finning around a decent-sized structure, and offers a real sense of history beneath the waves. The visibility here can be hit-or-miss with strong winds, but on a good day, it’s a magnificent dive.

Location
Tabarka, Tunisia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.333332, 9.666667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BESSY G.

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The MV Bessy G. was a modern motor vessel, built in 1961 by the Clelands Shipbuilding Company. For seventeen years, she plied the seas as a typical short-sea cargo carrier. Her final voyage began in July 1978, when she departed Antwerp with a cargo destined for Tripoli, Libya. The journey through the English Channel, across the Bay of Biscay, and into the Mediterranean was routine, until she approached the coast of Tunisia.

On July 12, 1978, the Bessy G. ran hard aground near the port of Tabarka. The exact cause of the navigational error is not recorded, but the result was terminal. Despite being a relatively new and well-founded ship, the efforts to refloat her failed. She was declared a total loss and abandoned to the sea, which would slowly begin the process of breaking her apart.

Lying in just one meter of water, the wreck of the Bessy G. is a highly accessible site for novice divers and snorkelers. Having been pounded by decades of Mediterranean storms, the vessel is thoroughly broken up. Divers can explore a wide debris field consisting of steel hull plates, sections of the superstructure, and parts of her engine and machinery. The shallow, sunlit waters have encouraged marine life to colonize the wreckage, turning this modern maritime casualty into a vibrant artificial reef.

Marine Protected Area: Lac Bizerte

Best Time to Dive in Tabarka

The warmest water temperatures in Tabarka occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.5°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 22.6°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tabarka

Nearest Dive Centres to BESSY G.

Marine Life in Tabarka

Home to 162 recorded species including 104 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 7 octopus & squid, 6 other, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BESSY G.

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the BESSY G. dive site?
The BESSY G. dive site is found at a shallow depth of 1m. This makes it an accessible wreck for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore. You can explore this fascinating wreck in the waters off Tabarka, Tunisia.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at BESSY G.?
Divers at BESSY G. can expect to explore the impressive remains of a motor vessel, a wreck measuring 79.2m x 11.9m. This vessel, sunk in 1978, offers a unique underwater feature with portions of its hull and superstructure still visible. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting various aquatic species over time.
How challenging is the BESSY G. dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The BESSY G. dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that while it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers, those with some prior diving experience and appropriate training should find it manageable. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with their gear and conditions before attempting this wreck dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at BESSY G. for optimal conditions and visibility?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at BESSY G. for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult resources on when to dive in Tunisia. We recommend checking local dive reports closer to your planned trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the BESSY G. site?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the intermediate difficulty of the BESSY G. dive site, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification and ideally have some experience with wreck diving or similar conditions. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort zone. It's advisable to consult with local dive operators in Tabarka for precise requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the BESSY G. dive site?
The provided information does not detail the typical currents or specific water conditions at the BESSY G. dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should inquire with local dive centers in Tabarka for the most up-to-date information on local conditions. Always be prepared for varying underwater environments.