Dive· Kea (Tzia)· Greece — Cyclades
HMHS Britannic Wreck (off Kea, permit-only technical dive)
37° 42.1′ N · 24° 17.0′ E
Titanic's sister ship, the largest ship lost in the First World War. She sank in 55 minutes on 21 November 1916 after hitting a mine laid by U-73 in the Kea Channel, and 30 of 1,066 aboard died. She lies on her starboard side at about 84-122 m, about 1.5-3 nm off Kea's north-west point.
Practical
Technical (CCR/trimix) diving only, and only through an officially licensed Greek dive centre. Individual divers may not visit the wreck. Kea Divers requires certification for the depth, dive insurance, a medical certificate, a check dive and a record of recent deep dives. They operate to a maximum of 100 m (CCR100) and run dives only when true wind is under 16 kn. No penetration and no removing anything. The wreck is privately owned (Simon Mills) and protected within the Kea underwater historic sites. Yachts: this is in the busy Kea Channel shipping route. Do not anchor or loiter over the site, and keep clear of any dive boats flying diving signals. Coordinates from Wikipedia (37 deg 42'05"N 24 deg 17'02"E).
Best for
Bucket-list technical wreck dive
Season
Calm windows, usually spring and autumn
Nearby
- SS Burdigala Wreck (Kea)2.2 NM away
- Agios Nikolaos Lighthouse (Kea)2.5 NM away
- Old Coal Warehouses Anchorage (Agios Nikolaos Bay, Kea)2.5 NM away
- Agia Irini Archaeological Site (Vourkari)2.8 NM away
- Breeze Finger Food Bar (Vourkari)2.8 NM away
- Korissia Harbour (Kea)2.8 NM away
- To Steki tou Stroggili (Korissia)2.8 NM away
- Gialiskari Beach (Kea)2.9 NM away