HMS Coriolanus (Wreck)

HMS Coriolanus is a renowned wreck dive in Istria peninsular, Croatia. Situated at a significant depth, this captivating artificial reef teems with vibrant marine life, creating an illusion of a tropical dive experience. Exploring this site allows you to witness the diverse offerings of the Northern Adriatic.

Divers can expect to encounter impressive schools of sardines, graceful long Conger eels, majestic lobsters, elusive scorpions, dazzling gilt-head breams, vibrant flying gurnards, and fascinating Flabelinas. If fortune smiles upon you, you might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Eagle ray.

HMS Coriolanus, a British Royal Navy warship of the Shakespeare class, served as a minesweeper. Its specifications include a length of 46 meters (150 feet), width of 8.5 meters (28 feet), and an armament of 1 cannon (12 pdr) and 3 MK (20 mm). Launched on September 2nd, 1940, the ship met its fate on May 5th, 1945, sinking within minutes after striking a naval mine.

Named after the esteemed actor Gnej Marcije Koriolan (Gnaeus Marcius Coriolanus) from a theatrical piece, HMS Coriolanus played a role beyond warfare and espionage, reportedly being utilized to intercept Yugoslav radio transmissions. The ship participated in significant Allied naval operations, including Operation TORCH, the North Africa landing in 1942, and Operation HUSKY, the Sicily landing in January 1945.

Resting upright on the seabed at coordinates N 45°19´09´´ / E 13°25´25´´, approximately 6 nautical miles from the coast of Novi Grad and 11 nautical miles from our dive center in Umag, HMS Coriolanus lies at a depth of 20 to 28 meters. Remarkably well-preserved, this wreck offers an excellent diving opportunity for divers with basic experience in wreck diving. It is recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Adventures certification or higher to fully enjoy this underwater marvel.

The visibility at the dive site is approximately 11 meters, and the maximum depth reaches 27 meters. With its combination of historical significance and captivating marine life, diving at HMS Coriolanus is an unforgettable experience. Close to Grad Poreč in Istria County, Croatia, this remarkable dive site beckons advanced and expert divers to embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure.