Le Dornier

Descend into the water along the mooring and you'll be greeted by the silhouette of a plane wreck. At a depth of 42 meters, the broken steel carcass stands out against the sandy background. But don't stop there, because the real adventure awaits at a depth of 46 meters, 130 meters away. The cockpit of the plane is a subject for another exciting dive.

Explore the wreckage of the Dornier 24, a Dutch-designed seaplane with a fascinating history. Built under license for the Luftwaffe just before World War II, this three-engine, shallow-water aircraft was used for maritime patrol, transport, and medical evacuation. The Dornier 24 saw intense operational activity during the war, until it met its tragic end on December 20, 1945. Overpowered by the mistral wind, the plane crashed into the sea, leaving only a young sailor in the rear as the sole survivor.

As you dive deeper, you'll encounter a vibrant marine ecosystem around the wreck. Keep an eye out for the conger eel that has made this place its home. Other fascinating marine creatures, such as lobsters, moray eels, forkbeards, and capons, can also be spotted here.

With visibility reaching up to 14 meters, this dive site offers a clear view of the underwater world. The maximum depth of 38 meters provides an exciting challenge for advanced and expert divers. Located in Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, Toulon, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, this dive site is easily accessible and promises a memorable underwater exploration.

Embark on a breathtaking journey through history and the wonders of the sea. Dive into the depths of the Dornier 24 wreck and uncover the secrets hidden beneath the waves.