Dive-site story
Resting inverted on an open sandy seabed along the French Riviera, this historic Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat fighter aircraft ditched during naval training exercises in the mid-1950s. The airframe remains remarkably intact despite decades underwater. Divers can inspect the radial engine, cockpit framing, and wing structures, which have transformed this wartime relic into an isolated artificial reef shelter.
Well-preserved fuselage and radial engine resting upright and clear on an open sand bed
Historical French Aéronavale carrier-borne fighter aircraft with landing gear and propeller clearly identifiable
Encounters with large conger eels and scorpionfish inhabiting the cockpit and engine cowl recesses
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through autumn offers optimal sea conditions and calmer surface winds along the Var coastline.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European congerConger conger | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red scorpionfishScorpaena scrofa | Common | ||||||||||||
| Mediterranean morayMuraena helena | Common | ||||||||||||
| Swallowtail seaperchAnthias anthias | Common | ||||||||||||
| European spiny lobsterPalinurus elephas | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
