Giannoula K Wreck, Rhodes: intact cargo ship on the seabed

The Giannoula K is a 110-metre cargo ship situated on a sandy seabed off the coast of Rhodes, near Plimiri. Unlike many wrecks that lie flat, this vessel is inclined at approximately 45 degrees to starboard, creating a dynamic profile for your descent. You will notice the stern mast begins very close to the surface, only about 2 metres down, which provides an immediate sense of the ship's scale. This orientation allows for a structured dive plan where you can navigate the different levels of the hull as you descend.

Your dive profile will vary depending on which part of the wreck you choose to explore. The upper decks are relatively shallow, typically found between 13 and 15 metres, making them easily accessible. As you move toward the stern, depths increase to between 15 and 17 metres. The bow represents the deepest part of the wreck, reaching down to 21–23 metres. This stepped topography allows for a manageable descent if you follow the structure of the hull systematically.

The wreck remains largely intact, which is a significant advantage for those interested in wreck archaeology. You can observe the expansive upper decks and explore the cargo holds, which are quite accessible for those with the right experience. The engine room area is also available, providing a more technical dimension to the dive. This integrity means the ship feels more like a sunken structure than a pile of debris, allowing you to appreciate its original design.

For divers looking for a more complex experience, the interior spaces offer excellent opportunities for penetration. Because the wreck is relatively large and well-preserved, the internal corridors and compartments are clearly defined. However, entering these enclosed spaces requires specific qualifications and an awareness of your surroundings. It is best to treat the first dive as an exterior survey and save the interior exploration for a subsequent dive once you are comfortable with the wreck's layout.

The site is highly accessible via boat from Plimiri harbour, usually reached by small RIB or inflatable boats. It is located roughly 0.5 to 1 nautical mile from the shore, making for a short transit time. Descents and ascents are typically conducted using a mooring or an anchor line attached near the wreck. During some operations, a horizontal line may be used to facilitate controlled safety stops, ensuring you maintain depth during your decompression obligations.

Visibility at the Giannoula K can be quite varied, typically ranging from 9 to 30 metres. The clearest conditions are most frequent during the summer months when the water transparency is at its peak. This high visibility is ideal for inspecting the finer details of the hull and the cargo areas. When visibility is at the lower end of the range, the focus shifts more toward the structural silhouettes and the larger aspects of the ship's geometry.

Currents at this site are generally light and manageable, especially during the summer season. While the site is often calm, you may encounter mild or locally variable currents depending on the weather and your specific exposure off the Plimiri coast. These subtle shifts in water movement are common in the Aegean and require attentive buoyancy control, particularly when navigating near the hull or the seabed. Monitoring your position relative to the wreck is essential to avoid being drifted away from the structure.

The combination of its size, depth, and orientation makes the Giannoula K a standout wreck in the Rhodes area. It provides a rare opportunity to dive a substantial, intact vessel that does not require extreme depths for full exploration. This accessibility makes it an ideal site for a two-dive itinerary: one focused on the exterior hull and upper decks, and a second dedicated to the more technical interior sections. This systematic approach ensures you get the most out of the wreck's significant architecture.