The vibrant reefs and diverse underwater ecosystem of Istrian hide a thriving biodiversity, but sunken shipwrecks snooze in this breathtaking universe too. So, when staying at one of properties in Rovinj, or Brtonigla and Novigrad go on an underwater adventure unlike any other.
Where to dive?
Dive to the most well-known northern Adriatic wreck, which sits deep underwater right in front of Rovinj. After striking a mine in 1914, Austrian ship Baron Gautsch sank. It was traveling the route Boka Kotorska – Mali Loinj – Trieste while transporting the families of Austrian officers. The ship made an attempt to navigate a minefield 9 nautical miles from Rovinj in an effort to cut the distance of the trip. It touched a mine at the ship’s portside with its left side and in a matter of minutes, it sank, taking with it a large number of passengers.
A memorial dive and the laying of chaplets are held annually in August to remember the victims of the largest maritime catastrophe to occur in the Adriatic region during World War One.
If you are looking for an adventure at sea, arrange a dive to Baron Gautsch shipwreck. Only diving facilities with a special permit from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia are authorized to conduct dives to the Baron Gautsch wreck, and only the first two decks of the ship may be entered.
Photo credit: lanterna.hr, h2oglobe.com, www.bradtguides.com
