wreck

Log This Dive

SS Umbria, Wreck

The Umbria is a proper wreck dive, one that stays with you long after the deco stops are done. We love that it’s still packed with its wartime cargo – Fiat cars, bottles of wine, stacks of explosives. Dropping onto the deck, you can peer into the holds and imagine the frantic scuttling as the crew sank her to avoid capture back in ‘40. The sheer size of her is impressive, sitting upright and mostly intact on the seabed. Inside, the light shafts through open doorways, illuminating clouds of glassfish and the occasional shadowy grouper. Exploring the engine room is our favourite part; it feels like stepping back in time, with gauges and levers still in place. While the corals aren't as prolific as on some natural reefs, the wreck itself is a massive artificial structure, drawing in black-tipped silver-biddies and fringelip mullets. Keep an eye out for humpbacked and giant spider conchs on the sand nearby. It’s a dive that rewards repeat visits, offering new details with every exploration.