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Wreck of HMHS Salta

The HMHS Salta, torpedoed in 1917, is one of those wrecks that just resonates. Lying off the south coast of England, she’s broken into three main sections, but there’s still plenty to explore. We love picking our way through the scattered debris field, finding the tell-tale signs of a large hospital ship: the ribs of her hull, massive boilers, and twisted plates that have become home to an impressive collection of sea life. You’ll often find dogfish tucked into crevices and plump conger eels peering out from gaps in the machinery. Big schools of bib and pollack shimmer above the main structure, and the occasional curious seal might pay a visit. The Salta really comes alive when there’s a bit of ambient light filtering through the green water. While the currents can be strong, diving this site on a slack tide means you can really take your time, appreciating the history and the way nature has reclaimed this piece of the past. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow creep of marine growth.