Cermona II Wreck, Gran Canaria: exploring a fishing vessel

The Cermona II wreck lies off the south coast of Gran Canaria, a 32-meter steel-hulled fishing vessel intentionally sunk in 2002 to create an artificial reef. It rests on its starboard side on a mixed sandy and rocky bottom, approximately 40 to 60 metres from the older Alagranza wreck. The dive typically begins with a boat access from Puerto de Mogán, a short five-minute navigation, followed by a descent on a fixed line attached directly to the wreck. This setup allows for a controlled and straightforward approach to the site, orienting you to the vessel's profile as you near the main deck.

As you approach the Cermona II, the wreck's structure becomes clear, lying at a maximum depth of 22 metres, with the surrounding seabed ranging from 16 to 21 metres. The vessel's orientation on its side means that parts of the ship which would normally be vertical are now horizontal, offering a unique perspective on its interior spaces. This angle also creates sheltered areas on the leeward side, providing refuge for smaller marine life. The wreck is largely intact, giving a good sense of the original vessel's form and allowing for comfortable exploration along its length.

Exploration of the Cermona II includes its holds and engine room, which are accessible for properly trained divers. These interior spaces present a different environment from the exterior, with reduced light and often distinct inhabitants. When penetrating, maintaining neutral buoyancy is crucial, and you must always be mindful of overhead environments, especially within the more confined sections. The structure's integrity allows for a clear navigation path, making it an ideal site for divers looking to develop their wreck diving skills in a relatively contained area.

The exterior of the wreck is covered in fine algae and marine growth, transforming it into a vibrant habitat that draws abundant fish life. As you follow the length of the vessel, you'll encounter various species such as parrotfish, grunts, and trumpetfish schooling around the structure. Damselfish and sea bream are also common sights, adding to the dynamic ecosystem that has developed around this artificial reef. The contrast between the exterior growth and the darker interior spaces provides a diverse diving environment.

Within the protection of the wreck, moray eels and dusky groupers often make their home, frequently found near openings or within sheltered sections of the structure. Crustaceans and molluscs inhabit the numerous nooks and crannies, offering macro opportunities for observant divers. The surrounding sandy and rocky seabed extends beyond the wreck itself, providing additional areas to observe local fauna, including occasional stingrays that glide across the bottom.

While the current at the Cermona II is typically weak, it can be variable, ranging from mild to moderate, with occasional stronger flows. It's always prudent to monitor conditions throughout the dive, particularly when planning your return to the ascent point, as conditions can shift. Occasionally, larger pelagic species such as amberjacks (Seriola dumerili) and tuna may pass by the wreck, especially if there's a gentle current bringing in nutrients, highlighting the Cermona II's role as an aggregation point in the open marine environment.

The Cermona II offers a focused wreck dive experience without extreme depths, making it approachable for divers seeking to gain wreck diving experience. The clear structure and relatively contained exploration area allow for multiple dives to fully appreciate its details and observe the marine life settling into its new habitat. The site is regularly visited by the tourist yellow submarine from Puerto de Mogán, which can add a distinctive, if sometimes distracting, feature to the dive experience.