Boreas Wreck, Palamós: vertical tugboat exploration on the seabed

The Boreas is an approximately 40-metre tugboat that rests in a striking vertical position on the sandy seabed off Palamós. Unlike many wrecks that lie broken or flat on the bottom, this vessel stands upright with a slight list to port, making its silhouette easy to identify during your descent. The structure starts at a shallower depth of about 18 metres where the superstructure and cabin are located. As you move down the hull, you pass the main deck and the cargo holds situated around 22 to 23 metres. The descent follows the lines of the vessel down to the propeller, which marks the deepest part of the site at approximately 32 to 35 metres.

Approaching the site is straightforward, as it is located only a five to ten-minute boat ride from the port of Palamós. Most divers begin their descent by following a fixed line or a mooring buoy that leads directly toward the bow or the main deck at the 22-metre mark. Once you reach the wreck, the sandy bottom provides a clear workspace around the base of the hull, though you should remain mindful of your buoyancy to avoid silting up the area near the propeller. The verticality of the wreck means that your dive profile will naturally transition from a shallower inspection of the upper decks to a deeper exploration of the mechanical components.

For divers with the appropriate training, the Boreas offers several points of interest through internal exploration. The superstructure, the bridge, and the engine room are accessible, allowing you to move through the internal layout of the tugboat. The cargo holds, located at the 22-metre level, provide a different environment from the external hull, though you must manage your gas consumption carefully given the depth. Navigating these tight spaces requires precise buoyancy control and a calm approach to ensure you do not impact the structure or disturb the silt. This internal access is what distinguishes the Boreas from the nearby rocky topography of the Costa Brava.

The site's profile is relatively compact, which makes it easier to maintain visual contact with your buddy while navigating the different sections of the vessel. You can choose to focus on the upper sections for a more relaxed dive or descend toward the propeller and the lower parts of the hull for a more technical experience. The transition from the superstructure at 18 metres to the propeller at 35 metres provides a significant depth range within a relatively small footprint. This allows you to adjust your bottom time based on whether you are focusing on the deck structures or the deeper mechanical elements of the ship.

Light and visibility at the site play a major role in how you perceive the wreck's scale. With visibility often ranging between 10 and 24 metres, the silhouette of the upright tugboat remains visible from a distance, helping with orientation. The way light hits the vertical hull can change throughout the day, highlighting the different levels of the superstructure and the deck. When visibility is at its peak, the details of the cabin and the bridge become much clearer, making the internal exploration more rewarding. Understanding the layout of the wreck before you descend will help you navigate these visual changes effectively.

The surrounding environment is a sandy bottom, which contrasts sharply with the more common rocky reefs found in the broader Palamós area. This sandy substrate means that while the wreck itself is a solid structure, you must be cautious of your fins when working near the base to prevent clouding your view. The vertical nature of the Boreas creates its own micro-environment, where the hard structure of the ship meets the soft sediment. This intersection is often where you will find the most interesting details of the wreck's current condition and its integration into the seabed.