This dive site features the Relitto Bolzaneto, an Italian armed cargo steamer launched in 1918. During World War II, in June 1943, she was tragically hit and sunk by two torpedoes from a British submarine off Bonassola, resulting in the loss of ten crew members and the captain. The wreck is truly beautiful, characterized by the presence of a well-preserved single-barrel cannon, complete with its winches and maneuvering gears, making for an interesting navigation around its structure.
As an artificial reef, the wreck attracts a variety of marine life typical of the Mediterranean. Divers can expect to encounter various fish species such as groupers, moray eels, and damselfish, alongside numerous invertebrates like octopus, scorpionfish, and different types of crustaceans. The wreck structure itself provides a substrate for soft corals and sponges, adding to the biodiversity.
The best time to visit this dive site is generally during the warmer months of the Mediterranean, from late spring to early autumn, when water temperatures are more comfortable and conditions are often calmer. Given the maximum depth of 47 meters, this site is primarily suited for advanced and technical divers. Experienced freedivers might also find the shallower parts and features like the cannon appealing. It's an excellent site for wide-angle photography, capturing the historical elements and the overall grandeur of the wreck.
