wreck

Log This Dive

ADOLF VINNEN

Now, the Adolf Vinnen is a bit of a curious one, a proper historical oddity for us wreck hounds. She was a German auxiliary schooner, on her maiden voyage no less, heading for Barry to load up on coal back in 1923. A strong southerly wind pushed her ashore, right off Bass Point. What we love about this wreck, despite her being pretty broken up and shallow, is the story. It’s not about penetration or huge intact structures; it’s about piecing together history from the scattered remains. You’re looking at depths of just a meter, sometimes a bit more, sometimes less, depending on the tide and swell. This isn't a dive where you'll be dropping down for half an hour; think snorkel or a very shallow shore dive on a calm day. We've spent hours just drifting over the bits and pieces, imagining her as she was. The bow section is the most substantial part, though "substantial" is a generous term here. You’ll see twisted metal, massive timbers, and the outline of her once impressive size. It's a great spot for photographers, especially with a wide-angle lens, capturing the way the sunlight plays through the shallows. Our favourite moments here are when the light is just right, illuminating the metalwork and the kelp that now drapes over everything. Expect to see plenty of blennies darting around, crabs tucked into crevices, and juvenile fish seeking shelter in the wreckage. It’s surprisingly vibrant for such a shallow, exposed site. This is a site for the curious, for those who appreciate the history as much as the marine life, and who don't mind getting shallow to explore.