Reggio Messina Wreck: Deep Diving in L'Estartit

The Reggio Messina lies off L'Estartit, a substantial wreck at 122 metres long and 17 metres wide, with a draft exceeding 6 metres. Originally a train ferry, you can still trace the former railway tracks across her decks, a poignant detail that sets her apart from other cargo wrecks. She rests inclined to port, with her stern oriented towards the Punta del Castell, adding to the dramatic profile as you descend.

Your descent can follow a line directly onto the wreck or along the coastal slope adjacent to it. As you approach, the sheer scale of the Reggio Messina becomes apparent, a testament to her past life. The wreck is positioned between 24 and 32 metres, making it a significant deep dive. You'll find yourself navigating around the hull and superstructure, which now provide shelter and hunting grounds for resident marine life.

The Reggio Messina was intentionally sunk in 1992, intended to serve as a new biotope, but the powerful Llevant storms shifted and broke the vessel into three large fragments. This fragmentation has transformed the wreck; no longer a single intact structure, it now offers multiple sections to explore, each with its own character. This breakage adds to the sense of mystery, with twisted metal and open spaces providing new avenues for exploration.

Below 24 metres, you'll explore the interior spaces and structural elements. Her internal rooms, the remaining mast, and bent ironwork create a distinctly atmospheric environment. You’ll spend your bottom time tracing the contours of the decks, peering into shadowed areas, and identifying the remnants of her working life. The play of light at this depth accentuates the wreck's moody feel.

Around the mast, you can expect to encounter dense schools of white seabream (Diplodus sargus sargus) and damselfish (Chromis chromis). These fish often congregate in the shelter provided by the wreck's elevated structures, offering a dynamic contrast to the static remnants of the ship. Observing their behaviour adds a layer of life to the otherwise silent and still environment of the deep wreck.

Located south of the Punta del Castell, near La Foradada, between L'Estartit and L'Escala, the Reggio Messina is not only a compelling geological feature but also a crucial part of the local ecosystem. The large, broken fragments act as complex artificial reefs, drawing marine species seeking refuge and food. The interaction between the marine life and the wreck's structure is a key element of the dive profile here.

Exploring the Reggio Messina demands careful buoyancy control and an awareness of depth, as the inclination and various sections provide plenty of opportunities to drop deeper if not mindful. The wreck’s structure, with its twisted metal and complex layout, offers a unique challenge and reward for divers who appreciate the history and mystery of deep wrecks.