Brioni (Wreck)

Explore the breathtaking wreck near the islet of Ravnik, known for its exceptional preservation and vibrant yellow sponge coverage. Renowned as one of the most stunning wrecks with excellent visibility, this cargo-passenger wreck offers an unforgettable diving experience.

Teeming with life, the walls surrounding the wreck are a paradise for divers. Keep your eyes peeled for lobsters, shovel crabs, and even parrotfish, adding an exciting touch to your underwater adventure.

Delve into the rich history of the Balkans, a region marked by centuries of turmoil. From ancient times to the early 20th century, the Balkan Peninsula was heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire. Following the decline of the empire, Albania gained independence in 1912 after the First Balkan War. Despite political differences among the countries along the Adriatic Coast, their shared history, ethnic similarities, and close proximity fostered thriving economic relations.

During the early 20th century, trade flourished between Croatia and Albania, with numerous cargo and passenger ships traversing the Adriatic Sea. Among these remarkable vessels was the Brioni, constructed in 1909 by the Österreichischer Lloyd, a prominent Austro-Hungarian transport company, in the shipyard of Monfalcone, Italy. The Brioni and its fleet fell into Italian hands during World War I and operated as a cargo ship for the Italian navy. Following the war and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the Brioni remained Italian, carrying on under the name of Lloyd Triestino (now Italia Marittima, part of the Evergreen Group).

For six years after World War I, the Brioni continued its voyages until its sale in 1925 to the Apulia shipping company (Societa di Navigazione a Vapore Puglia). The ship resumed its vital role in transporting both cargo and passengers along the Adriatic. However, tragedy struck on February 2, 1930, when the Brioni, loaded with tobacco and wine, collided with the southeastern cape of the Ravnik islet, merely 0.5 nautical mile away from Rukavac, a village on the island of Vis. In the face of poor visibility, the ship sank rapidly, coming to rest on the sandy seabed approximately 50 meters off the shore. The Brioni lies on its left side, with the stern a mere 10 meters away. The wreck ranges in depth from 38 meters at its shallowest point to 65 meters at its deepest. Spanning over 68 meters in length and 9 meters in width, the wreck tantalizes divers, revealing only a third of its underwater wonders during no decompression recreational dives.

Diving at this site typically commences near the cape, situated directly above the wreck, and concludes in a serene bay where diving boats can anchor. As you explore the bay's rocky bottom, you may encounter small scorpionfish, octopuses, and an array of sea stars. Beneath these rocks lie captivating creatures often observed during nocturnal dives, including brittle stars. En route from the wreck to the wall, divers glide along a wall adorned with numerous crevices. However, it is the wreck itself that steals the spotlight, captivating divers with its remarkable preservation. Resting undisturbed on the seabed for nearly 90 years, the wreck boasts a profusion of yellow sponges shimmering in an array of colors when illuminated by dive flashlights. Every diver is compelled to capture images of the cranes, masts, and propeller. Whether conducting decompression dives to explore the entire wreck or simply "touching" it before venturing to the nearby wall to escape decompression, your dive on the Brioni promises to be one of the most magnificent wreck dives available in Vis.

Located in Croatia, specifically Brgujac, Podstražje, Grad Vis, Split-Dalmatia County, 21480, the dive site of the Brioni wreck awaits advanced and expert divers seeking an extraordinary underwater experience. With a maximum depth of 41 meters and a remarkable visibility of 19 meters, it provides the perfect setting for an exhilarating dive in the azure waters of the Adriatic.