On November 19, 2004, the AVANTIS III set out on its fateful journey from Mesolongi. The ship collided with the island of Dorousa in Agistri and, after 20 minutes, sank, taking with it the 35-year-old chef Vasilis Koronis. The bow of the ship is at 17 meters, the maximum depth is 48 meters, and the ship’s large propeller is at 41 meters.

Access is only possible by boat. You can moor at the permanent buoy in the area.

THE COAST

If you have non-diving friends accompanying you, it’s good for them to know that the ship occasionally releases Mazout, something that can be disorienting for you and even more so for the people waiting for you on the boat.

ENTRY TO THE SEA

The anchor line can also serve as a descent line; on most days, due to good visibility, the wreck is visible from the surface.

THE DIVE

Due to its large size (80 meters by 13 meters), it’s impossible to cover the entire wreck in one dive. The many entry points offer additional options for appropriately trained divers.

As the ship has been on the seabed for some time, it is quite sensitive, and pieces can detach from the ceilings and walls of enclosed spaces. Special attention should also be given to the metallic parts of the ship that have oxidized; the use of gloves is recommended.

POINTS OF INTEREST

• The name of the ship is clearly visible in the bow area.
• The ship’s bridge is in very good condition, with panels and instruments maintained in their positions.
• The ship’s propeller is at a depth of 41 meters, providing access to the engine room.
• The ship’s bars allow penetration to see part of the cargo and the crack created by the collision.

Divelog would like to express warm thanks to Mr. Leonidas Stavrou for his contribution to the writing of this dive.