Diving in Liguria – Portofino and the wreck “Haven”
February 22, 2010 by Anna Merulla / Tags: accomodation , courses , diving , Haven , Liguria , packages , Portofino , wreck / 4 Comments
Even those who are not scuba-diving experts can enjoy this amazing experience going to one of the many specialized diving centers in Liguria.
With this post, I would like to begin a series of articles for those who love diving and want to have more informations about the most beautiful dive sites in Liguria, but also for those how are curious to discover the fascinating ligurian underworld.
So, let’s start…
The Marine Protected Area of the Portofino Promontory was established by the Ministry for the Environment in 1999 with the goal of valorizing the biological and geomorphic resources of the area and promoting wider understanding of ecology and biology.
Departing from Camogli, the reserve stretches to the gates of S. Margherita Ligure, and is an ideal place for diving.
The Promontory stretches into the sea for about 4 km, and represents one of the most alluring landscapes of the Italian Riviera. It is characterized by a remarkable variety of environments. High cliffs throw into the sea out of the coves, and they descend down to depths for about 50 meters, ending in vast sandy expanses.
This is the ideal environment for numerous species of fish and mollusks. Swimming in these limpid waters is magnificent for the red coral and groupers peeking out of their dens.
The statue of the “Christ of the Abyss” is one of the most famous and visited underwater sites on earth, accessible to divers and snorkeler. The bronze statue is placed in a bay in the cove of S. Fruttuoso at 17 meters underwater, every day it welcomes divers with its open arms.
On April 1991 during routine operations, transferring crude oil from one cistern to another, an explosion occurred in a tank on board the Haven and the Captain and four men of the crew died. For days, a violent blaze burned tons of crude oil, the ship’s bow section broke off, and the remaining 250 meters foundered one mile from the inhabited town of Arenzano.
Today, the wreck has become one of the most popular dive sites among divers and exploringit is a fascinating and unforgettable experience.
The Haven lies in sailing trim on a muddy bed 80 meters underwater, but the upper part of the structure reaches 32 meters. The funnel has been dismantled because it was dangerous for navigation.
The dive is not easy in this area and for that the Harbour Authorities issued severe regulations for scuba diving.
I once went snorkeling in the Red Sea. I couldn't wait! I had never done this before, I'm quite a good swimmer and not afraid of depths. I had always dreamed of being able to breathe under water. So mask on, snorkel in my mouth and flippers on my feet I was the first to jump off the boat into the crystal clear waters. I stuck my head under water to see the corals and took one deep breath… through my nose. Can you imagine me spluttering. Several attempts later I gave up. I could not tell my brain that I could only breathe through my mouth!
fantastic Heiko! even if I don't know you in person (but I will! if the offer is always valid to come for a coffee) I can imagine you in that occasion
!
You are right, it's not simple to breathe only through the mouth.
In past, I was very afraid to imagine of breathing only through a snorkel, but thanks to my father and his patience(he is an expert diver and since he was only 4 years old he loves the underwater world) I won my fear (not at his expert level, but the right one for me).
When he returns from a trip, I am always there to listen to his diving experience and, believe me, his stories make you want to try this sport. So, you know, this was my destiny with a diver in my family…
Hello Anna, Nice pictures you have, very professional. I found your recipes also very interesting and had left my comment there.
Good information once again. Thanks a lot!