AEGEO STAR - Bodrum

The Aegeo Star, just off Bodrum, isn’t just another sunken ship; it’s a proper dive into maritime history, and a good one at that. We often find ourselves drawn to wrecks with a story, and the Aegeo Star certainly has one. This 58-meter cargo ship, which went down in 1993 with a mysterious load of phosphotungstic acid, now rests upright at 40 meters, making it a fantastic deep dive. Dropping down onto her, you can still feel the scale of the vessel. The holds are open, inviting you to peek inside, though we’d suggest good buoyancy and a strong light for anything more than a quick look. The deck provides plenty to explore, with the bridge structure largely intact. Swarms of small reef fish, damselfish mostly, dart through the superstructure, and we’ve spotted moray eels tucked into crevices more than once. The mast still stands, reaching up towards shallower depths, draped in anemones. It’s a site that rewards multiple dives; you’ll always find a new detail, a different angle. We think it’s best suited for experienced divers comfortable with depth and overhead environments, offering a real sense of adventure.

Location
Bodrum, Turkey, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.782333, 26.916000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - AEGEO STAR

Year Sunk
1993
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The story of the motor vessel Aegeo Star ends with a note of suspicion. On September 19, 1993, the ship sank shortly after departing the Aliaga industrial complex near Izmir. She was carrying a valuable cargo of 1,000 tons of phosphotungstic acid bound for Rijeka, Croatia. The official report simply notes the sinking, but the term 'Loss Alleged' in maritime records hints at controversy and speculation, with many believing the ship may have been intentionally scuttled for an insurance payout.

Resting at a depth of 40 metres near the popular diving hub of Bodrum, the Aegeo Star is a fantastic dive for advanced and technical divers. As a relatively modern wreck, its structure is largely intact, offering opportunities to explore its decks, cargo holds, and superstructure. The clear Aegean waters provide excellent visibility, revealing a vessel whose final moments remain a compelling maritime mystery. The depth ensures the wreck is visited less frequently, allowing for a more pristine and adventurous dive experience.

Marine Protected Area: Gediz Delta

Best Time to Dive in Bodrum

The warmest water temperatures in Bodrum occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.9°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • February: 18.9°C (air: 12.1°C)
  • March: 18.9°C (air: 13.1°C)
  • April: 18.9°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • May: 18.9°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • June: 18.9°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • July: 18.9°C (air: 29.8°C)
  • August: 18.9°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • September: 18.9°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • October: 18.9°C (air: 21.5°C)
  • November: 18.9°C (air: 17.0°C)
  • December: 18.9°C (air: 14.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bodrum

Nearest Dive Centres to AEGEO STAR

Marine Life in Bodrum

Home to 32 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 4 seagrass & algae, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 other, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AEGEO STAR

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • 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 dives at AEGEO STAR?
The AEGEO STAR wreck is situated at a depth of 40m. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at AEGEO STAR?
Divers at AEGEO STAR will primarily explore the impressive wreck of a motor vessel, which measures 57.9m by 10.1m. This vessel sank on September 19, 1993, and is classified as a dangerous wreck, offering a unique historical dive. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically serve as vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine species over time.
How challenging are the dives at AEGEO STAR, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Dives at AEGEO STAR are rated as intermediate difficulty. With a depth of 40m and its classification as a dangerous wreck, this site is not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate training and experience for deep and wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at AEGEO STAR for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters at AEGEO STAR. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you may want to consult our When to Dive section or specific information for Turkey.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at AEGEO STAR?
To safely dive the AEGEO STAR, which is an intermediate difficulty site at 40m and classified as a dangerous wreck, advanced certifications are highly recommended. This typically includes a Deep Diver specialty and ideally a Wreck Diver specialty to navigate the complexities of the site. Proper equipment and experience are also crucial.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the AEGEO STAR dive site?
The provided data does not contain specific information about the typical current conditions or visibility at the AEGEO STAR dive site. It is always best to check with local dive centers in Bodrum, Turkey for the most current conditions before planning your dive.