Famously sunk because a computer system onboard started pumping sea water into the ships bilges instead of the other way round! Engineers worked furiously to fix the fault but it proved unstopable and the Zenobia Ferry sank over 2 days just outside Larnaca harbour. A monster displacing more than 10,000 tonnes, and superficially not unlike the familiar vessels that ply the route between Dover and Calais, the wreck is more than 178m in length, and now lying on its starboard. The wreck has claimed a number of lives, and witnessed some dramatic rescues, as divers feel inclined to swim into the huge interior of the ship, without realising how easy it is to get lost. |
18m / 59ft |
42m / 138ft |
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Accidental sinking: 07-Jun-1980 |
Wreck penetration is possible. |
Technical or decompression diving. |
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Last 10 Diver
reviews for Zenobia: |
The Zenobia is an interesting dive suite, suitable for a mixed range of abilities. Swimming around the outside of the wreck is probably suitable for most people with the qualifications/experience to dive 30m+. Whilst the top of the wreck is at about 17m there is not a great deal to see from 18m.
There are a range of penetrations of the wreck, after all this is a huge wreck. The Accomodation block/Bridge are relatively straightforward with plenty of escape routes.
The Upper Car deck is a relatively easy penetration as well though this ranges from 30m to down to 37m so is not for the inexperienced.
The middle car deck and the engine room are completely dark and given the depths not suitable for people who are not experienced. Even then you either need a good guide or to think about laying lines. Bear in mind that people have died in this wreck.
Whilst it is undoubtedly a very large wreck, with many lorries, cars to see. It is the best wreck in the Med, whether it deserves the mentions it often gets in the list of the top ten wrecks in the world, personally I'm not convinced.
Date posted: 25-Sep-2011 14:17 by: Monkey who thought that:
Only experienced wreck divers should attempt this.
Ranked it as:
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Whe the viz is good its amazing, 2nd.time I dived it I stood on the seabed amidships, & could see beyond both stern & bow, I could look to the surface & see our boat tied up 'n hanging there like a ballon in the air! & no, I wasn't narked just blown away with the incredible Viz! that was 2000 haven't been back, but longing to do it again!!!
Date posted: 01-Oct-2008 19:44 by: Johnny who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
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This can be dived by anyone but olny if they have a good Dive Master to guild them. Beware of DM that run out of air!!! Instuctors that climb into holes they can not get out of and centres that run intro. dives in 42m of water! But that said it is the best wreck dive in the Med. and in the top five in the world.
Date posted: 07-Oct-2007 10:34 by: hoosey who thought that:
Only experienced wreck divers should attempt this.
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Dived the wreck many many times between 1988 - 1991 & again in 2000. Excellent dive, plenty to see & suitable for all grades of diver
Date posted: 09-Feb-2007 23:09 by: Alan who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
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2 dives August 2005. Water warm and visibility good. Covered the whole ship, went through the bridge, saw the wrecked lorries and viewed the WC on its side. Went too deep (>30 metres) - very easy to do - and ascended too quick while inside the wreck - it's easy to forget. Watched turtle during safety stop. Everyone should do it.
Date posted: 19-Oct-2006 09:17 by: Dick who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
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The Zen has something for all abilities.
Date posted: 27-Mar-2006 15:51 by: Wendy who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
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What a holiday! With the fantastic service from Alpha Divers & the spectacular sights on the Zen', it just doesn't get better than this. It's better wreck diving than the Red Sea, many thanks to Chris & the guys...'Happy Days!'.
Date posted: 04-Feb-2006 17:43 by: Frizby who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
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The grouper, barracuda & jacks will blow you away...they did me.
I did Wreck Diver Speciality on the Zen', what a location...great fun, great course.
Date posted: 12-Dec-2005 10:29 by: Crissy who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
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As the top of the wreck is at about 18m it is available to almost any qualified diver. The vis is usually very good and there are plenty of experienced guides around if you want to penetrate into the wreck.
Date posted: 29-Nov-2005 09:09 by: Colin who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
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