La Barge aux Congres, Port-Cros: a deep tugboat wreck

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.