Dive-site story
The Hans Schmidt, originally christened as the Alfonso and later known as the Istra, was a steam-powered cargo vessel that sank in 1943 after striking an underwater mine. Resting upright on an open sandy seabed off the Istrian coast, the wreck remains largely intact except for severe structural damage near the blast area. Divers exploring the hull will discover cargo holds, anchor winches, and the steam machinery encrusted in encrusting sponges and bryozoans.
Well-preserved bow section with intact anchor windlass gear
Expansive open cargo holds colonised by benthic fauna
Deep-dwelling Mediterranean marine species sheltered within the hull plates
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Summer and early autumn provide the calmest surface conditions and optimal visibility on the offshore wreck.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European congerConger conger | Common | ||||||||||||
| European lobsterHomarus gammarus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red scorpionfishScorpaena scrofa | Common | ||||||||||||
| ForkbeardPhycis phycis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Two-banded sea breamDiplodus vulgaris | Common |
Marine forecast
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