Francisquita, wreck

The dive site on the north coast of Minorca offers an exciting opportunity to explore the wreck of the "El Francisquita." This Spanish cargo ship sank on December 17, 1952, and now sits at a depth of 50 meters on a sandy bottom. With a length of 45 meters and a width of 8 meters, this wreck provides an intriguing underwater adventure.

Divers who are experienced and physically fit can take on the challenge of this dive. It is important to note that there are often strong underwater currents in this area, so caution and expertise are essential.

During the dive, divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life. Sightings may include gilthead seabream, moray eels, groupers, largescaled scorpionfish, marbled electric rays, and schools of greater amberjacks, among other species. The visibility at this dive site usually reaches up to 21 meters, allowing divers to appreciate the beauty of the underwater scenery.

To begin the dive, the boat will be anchored and a safety tank will be set up. Divers will then descend along the anchor line, being mindful of the frequent underwater currents. Around the 25-meter mark, the silhouette of the wreck will start to come into view. The seabed is located at a depth of 50 meters, with the control tower at 42 meters and the stern castle at 44 meters. Exploring the exterior of the wreck, divers may encounter large moray eels, groupers, gilthead seabreams, and greater amberjacks. The deck is often inhabited by sizable largescaled scorpionfish, while marbled electric rays can be found on the sandy bottom.

Due to the depth of the dive, it is important that only experienced divers attempt this exploration. Divers must always keep an eye on their buddy and themselves, ensuring their safety and avoiding the risk of narcosis. Proper air supply management is crucial. Ascent should be conducted slowly along the anchor line, with decompression stops.

To fully appreciate the "El Francisquita" wreck, multiple dives in this site are recommended. Located 900 meters northwest of Punta Nati, this underwater adventure promises a memorable experience for expert divers. It is a must-visit destination for those exploring the waters of Spain's Balearic Islands.