ILYA MECHNIKOV
Protected Area
Palm Islands
Why dive here
ILYA MECHNIKOV is a wreck dive in Tyre, Lebanon.
The Ilya Mechnikov wreck off Tyre is a powerful dive, more about the story than just the structure. She’s a 130-meter steamship, sunk by a missile in 1973, sitting upright in only 12 meters of water. We love that shallow depth, it gives you so much bottom time to properly explore. The sheer scale of it, even in that visibility, is impressive – you swim over gaping cargo holds, feeling the chill of the shadowed depths within. What makes it special for us is the way the wreck has become a home. Schools of barracuda hang motionless off the bow, and snapper dart in and out of the twisted metal. Look closely, and you'll spot nudibranchs clinging to the superstructure, and octopuses tucked into crevices. Entry can be a bit tricky depending on the swell, so pick a calm day. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet resilience of marine life reclaiming something man-made.
Typical ILYA MECHNIKOV Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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