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Hyères · France · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 26 mLe Ferrando, Hyères: diving a dislocated coal carrier wreck
Descend to 23 metres to explore the scattered remains of Le Ferrando, a 19th-century coal carrier lying in the Hyères roadstead.
What makes this site special
- Explore a dislocated 19th-century coal carrier wreck.
- Identify the stern with its intact rudder.
- Observe scattered ironwork and original coal cargo.
- Dive between 23 and 26 metres depth.
- Wreckage spread over 80 metres of seabed.
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Le Ferrando about the site
Le Ferrando lies in the Hyères roadstead, approximately 4 kilometres from Cap des Mèdes, accessible by boat from La Londe-les-Maures. The site presents a dislocated wreck, spread across nearly 80 metres of seabed. The initial descent brings you to the main debris field, where the impact of its sinking in 1893 is evident in the scattered nature of the vessel. This is not a coherent ship outline, but rather a field of remains that requires careful navigation to appreciate its history.
The stern section offers the most recognisable feature of the former coal carrier. You'll find the rudder still in place, providing a clear reference point to the vessel's original orientation. Moving away from the stern, the superstructures have collapsed onto the starboard side, forming a jumble of twisted ironwork. Amidst this, you can still observe curved frames, intact portholes, and the original coal cargo, which remains spread out on both sides of what was once the ship's hold.
Diving Le Ferrando requires attention to detail as you navigate the scattered pieces. The depth ranges from 23 metres at the shallowest points of the debris to 26 metres on the seabed. This depth profile makes it a manageable dive within no-decompression limits for experienced divers. The historical context of the wreck – an English coal carrier from 1888, sunk in a collision in 1893 – adds another layer of interest as you explore the remnants of its final voyage.
Diving conditions
This site is accessible from 23 metres down to 26 metres. It requires a Level 2 certification with prior experience, or a PE40 certification. Access is exclusively by boat from La Londe-les-Maures.
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Frequently asked questions about Le Ferrando
What certification and experience do you need to dive Le Ferrando?
To dive Le Ferrando, you need Level 2 certification with prior experience, or PE40 certification. The wreck lies between 23 and 26 metres, and its scattered remains require careful navigation across the seabed. Your qualification and experience should suit both the depth and the need to follow dispersed wreckage.
How deep is Le Ferrando, and what should you expect at that depth?
Le Ferrando extends from 23 metres at the shallowest parts of the debris to 26 metres on the seabed. You descend onto the main debris field, then explore wreck remains spread across nearly 80 metres. The depth profile makes this a manageable dive within no-decompression limits for experienced divers.
What can you see while diving Le Ferrando?
At Le Ferrando, you can explore a dislocated 19th-century English coal carrier wreck. The stern retains its rudder, while collapsed superstructures form twisted ironwork on the starboard side. You can also observe curved frames, intact portholes, and original coal cargo scattered on both sides of the former hold.
How do you reach Le Ferrando, and what is the wreck layout like?
Le Ferrando is accessible exclusively by boat from La Londe-les-Maures and lies in the Hyères roadstead, approximately 4 kilometres from Cap des Mèdes. The wreck is spread across nearly 80 metres of seabed rather than forming a coherent outline, so you should navigate carefully among scattered remains.
