ADRIATIC - Tyre

The Adriatic, off Tyre, is a relatively fresh wreck, sinking just over a decade ago. We love that it’s still settling in, feeling like a new discovery every time we drop down. The ship, a carrier, lies on its side at 60m, a serious technical dive for sure, but the scale of it is impressive. You can still make out a lot of the ship's structure, the wheelhouse and bridge area are particularly interesting, especially with light penetration. There’s a quietness to this wreck, a sense of recent history. Schools of barracuda often circle the mast, glinting in the shafts of sunlight that pierce the deep blue. We’ve spotted large groupers lurking in the cargo holds and nudibranchs grazing on the hull. It’s a site for those who appreciate the story of a ship, the transformation from working vessel to artificial reef. We'd suggest hitting this one earlier in the day; the visibility tends to be at its best before any afternoon thermoclines set in. Keep an eye out for currents, they can pick up, making the descent a bit more challenging.

Location
Tyre, Lebanon, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
31.865000, 34.526670
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Wreck History - ADRIATIC

Year Sunk
2010
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

A relatively modern casualty of the sea, the carrier vessel ADRIATIC was built in 1981 and sailed for nearly 30 years before its sudden demise. Unlike many wrecks that tell tales of war or ancient storms, the ADRIATIC's story is a contemporary one of rapid, unexpected failure at sea.

On December 12, 2010, while off the coast of Tyre, Lebanon, the vessel began taking on water for reasons that remain unclear. The situation deteriorated quickly, and the massive ship turned over on its beam ends before sinking into the deep. In a dramatic display of modern rescue capabilities, the entire crew was safely recovered by helicopter. The wreck has been classified as non-dangerous, posing no hazard to navigation.

Resting at a depth of 60 meters, the ADRIATIC is a spectacular dive reserved for experienced technical divers. Its recent sinking and significant depth mean the wreck is remarkably intact and well-preserved. Divers descending into the blue will be greeted by the imposing sight of a complete, modern cargo ship, offering a haunting and unforgettable exploration of a vessel that was operational just a few years ago.

Nearby Dive Sites in Tyre

Nearest Dive Centres to ADRIATIC