Wildcat Wreck, Hyères: Deep Dive on a Royal Navy Fighter

The Wildcat wreck, a 1937 Royal Navy fighter believed to be a Martlet Mark V, lies off Hyères, France, at a maximum depth of 52 metres. It rests inverted on the sandy seabed, yet its airframe remains largely complete. Your dive begins with an open water descent, leading you through the water column to the distinct silhouette of the plane below, a destination primarily for experienced divers.

As you descend towards 52 metres, the structure of the Wildcat resolves from the blue. The clear water found at this depth often allows for a clear appreciation of the wreck's overall form before you reach it. The aircraft's inverted position provides a unique overhead view of its underside, offering insights into its construction and the impact that brought it to rest at the deep end of the Fourmigue du Lavandou.

Navigating around the Wildcat, you will observe its structural elements and the way it has settled into the sand. The intact nature of this particular wreck is a primary draw, offering a coherent structure to explore. While extensive internal penetration is not the focus, the experience lies in appreciating the integrity of this historic machine in its deep-water grave, which has become a focal point for marine life.

This site is a vibrant hub, attracting various species such as large groupers and schools of barracuda, which often patrol the structures. The overall conditions of the Mediterranean off Hyères, with typical temperatures from 14 to 27°C, support a diverse array of marine life. The exact circumstances of its sinking, whether scuttled or due to a forced landing, remain part of the site's mystique, adding to the contemplative atmosphere of the dive.