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Hyères · France · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 49 mLa Barge aux Congres, Port-Cros: a deep tugboat wreck
Descend onto the Tugboat, also known as 'La Tantine', a small crane tug resting at 45 metres on a sandy bottom off Port-Cros.
What makes this site special
- Deep tugboat wreck at 45 metres
- Crane feature on the stern
- Congers residing within the wreck
- Moray eels in crevices
- Mostelle often sighted on the bottom
- Small wreck, easy to circumnavigate
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La Barge aux Congres about the site
La Barge aux Congres, more familiarly called 'La Tantine', is a small tugboat wreck positioned at 45 metres depth on a sandy expanse northwest of Bagaud Island. The vessel lies flat on its keel, measuring 20 metres long, 6 metres wide, and standing 3 metres proud of the seabed. Its stern is slightly elevated by 2 metres, where a folded crane remains a prominent feature.
The origin of 'La Tantine' is not definitively recorded; neither its sinking date nor the precise cause is officially established. The prevailing theory suggests it was a crane-equipped tugboat, potentially capsized during heavy weather when towing a barge, possibly due to a shifting cargo of bricks. This adds a layer of quiet history to the dive, allowing you to contemplate its past as you explore.
Circumnavigating the entire wreck typically takes about ten minutes, offering a concise but detailed exploration. The port side's bulwark is partially missing, and some remnants of fishing nets are visible on the starboard side. These nets are not a significant hazard, but awareness is always necessary around any wreck entanglement points.
The site frequently experiences strong currents, which can make locating the small wreck challenging. A precise, controlled descent is crucial, and strong current diving experience is essential for a safe and enjoyable dive. Once on the wreck, the current demands good finning technique and buoyancy control to maintain position and explore effectively.
Diving conditions
The dive to La Barge aux Congres is a deep dive, with the wreck resting between 45 and 49 metres. Due to the frequently strong currents and the depth, this site is reserved for experienced divers with excellent buoyancy control. A precise, oriented descent is necessary to locate the wreck in these conditions.
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Frequently asked questions about La Barge aux Congres
What experience level does La Barge aux Congres require?
La Barge aux Congres is a deep dive reserved for experienced divers. You need excellent buoyancy control and experience with strong-current diving. A precise, controlled, oriented descent is necessary to locate the small wreck, and good finning technique helps you maintain position while exploring it.
How deep is La Barge aux Congres?
La Barge aux Congres is a deep wreck dive, with the tugboat resting between 45 and 49 metres on a sandy expanse northwest of Bagaud Island. It stands three metres proud of the seabed, and its stern is slightly elevated, with the folded crane at 45 metres.
What currents should you expect at La Barge aux Congres?
La Barge aux Congres frequently has strong currents, making the small wreck challenging to locate. Plan a precise, oriented descent, then use good finning technique and buoyancy control to maintain your position on the wreck. Fishing nets remain on the starboard side, so stay aware around this entanglement point.
What can you see at La Barge aux Congres?
At La Barge aux Congres, you can explore a small tugboat wreck lying flat on its keel, with a folded crane at the stern. Congers live within the wreck, while moray eels occupy crevices and mostelle are often seen on the sandy bottom. Missing bulwark and fishing nets are also visible.
