Croatia, Francesca Di Rimini Wreck, WreckDiving, WW2

Francesca da Rimini – A dive into history The “Francesca da Rimini” is not only an impressive wreck, but also a silent testimony to the Second World War. The Italian cargo ship was built in Rijeka in 1942. With a length of around 42 meters, a width of 12 meters and a weight of around 281 tonnes, it was designed to transport goods. In 1943, the ship was confiscated by the German Navy and subsequently used to transport weapons for German troops. On March 22, 1944, the “Francesca da Rimini” returned from a mission in North Africa. Due to engine failure, the ship had to anchor near the island of Kaprije in the Šibenik archipelago. There it was discovered by two British Spitfire bombers. The ship was attacked and torpedoed on the starboard side in the stern area. The “Francesca da Rimini” then sank and has been lying at the bottom of the sea ever since. Today the wreck lies at a depth of approximately 38 to 57 meters, depending on the area. The three masts tell part of the story of the sinking: two have broken off and lie in the sand, while the third is still upright and reaches a depth of around 28 meters. Even today, the traces of its military past are clearly visible. The anti-aircraft gun or machine gun is still located at the rear. There are also numerous mines and ammunition boxes scattered around the wreck - relics of a time when this ship was part of war logistics. But after more than 80 years, nature has increasingly reclaimed the wreck. Numerous sea creatures have found their habitat between the steel structures. Lobsters and groupers can be found regularly, and moray eels and amberjacks also occasionally appear. Schools of bream circle the wreck and watch the divers entering this underwater world. The dive to the “Francesca da Rimini” is only suitable for experienced divers due to the depth and the available ammunition. What looks like an artificial reef today was once a wartime cargo ship. Underwater you don't just encounter a wreck, but a piece of history that has been lying on the seabed off Kaprije since March 22, 1944.