ANCAP TERCERO

Best months: Jan–Mar

Why dive here

With 33+ marine species recorded in the area - including sperm whales - ANCAP TERCERO offers some of Mar del Plata's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSperm Whales · 33+ species recorded

Water10-21°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

Okay, let's talk about the ANCAP TERCERO. It’s not the deepest wreck you’ll ever dive, sitting in a mere four metres of water, but don’t let that fool you. This isn't a deep blue adventure, it's a history lesson and a surprisingly rich shallow dive. We love it for its accessibility and the sheer volume of life that’s made a home of this old vehicle carrier. She went down in '81 after breaking her moorings in a storm, a real old-school maritime drama unfolding right here in Mar del Plata. You'll spend your time exploring the skeletal remains of her deck and hull, everything covered in a thick carpet of anemones and sponges. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the sunlight filters through the surface, illuminating schools of silversides darting in and out of the metalwork. Keep an eye out for the crabs, big ones, tucked into every nook and cranny. Our favourite part? The way the wreck creates a protected little ecosystem, even with the surge from passing boat traffic. It's a fantastic site for photographers looking for interesting light and texture, or for newer divers getting comfortable with wreck penetration, albeit very shallow, open-water kind.

Typical ANCAP TERCERO 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.

Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today05:1518:0012h 45m daylightGolden hour 17:27

ANCAP TERCERO Wreck History

Year Sunk

1981

Vessel Type

tanker

Cause

storm

Tonnage

10,448 GRT

The ANCAP Tercero was a T2-type tanker, a class of vessel famous for its role as the workhorse of the Allied fleet during World War II. After the war, many of these robust tankers were sold for civilian service, and this one found a new life under the flag of ANCAP, the state-owned fuel company of Uruguay. After a long and productive career, the aging vessel was sold to scrap dealers in 1981 and towed to Mar del Plata to be dismantled.

However, the sea had other plans for the venerable ship. On October 4, 1981, while awaiting its fate, a powerful storm struck the coast. The ANCAP Tercero broke free from its moorings, drifting helplessly until it ran aground and sank in the entrance channel of the harbor. Its massive hull became an immediate and significant navigational hazard. Today, it lies in incredibly shallow water, with a maximum depth of only 4 meters, making it less of a scuba dive and more of an underwater landmark to be explored while snorkeling or free diving. Exploring such a huge piece of maritime history in water this shallow is a truly unique experience.

Reviews for ANCAP TERCERO

Conditions

Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANCAP TERCERO

ANCAP TERCERO Ocean Conditions

Monthly averages for ANCAP TERCERO, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.05, -57.5) (0km away)