We return on the subject so exciting dives on wrecks and to do so this time we speak of a ship l, Elpis, that few know and moreover even whole lies at a depth of just 15 meters.
We are in full “zone A” Navy Reserve Egadi, half mile south of the islet Formica between Trapani and Favignana, dove diving are permitted only after obtaining the necessary permission from the Harbor of Trapani.
who, behind almost a one step of rock that runs parallel to the southern profile of the islet, the guide bow to the east, It is the wreck of “Elpis I” a barge of 400 tons and a length of just over 40 meters nestled on a bed of white sand which highlights the profile still intact and suggestive.
But let's say now the story of this ship.
The unit, of Japanese nationality flying the Cypriot flag, carrying a cargo of contraband cigarettes in the direction of the Egadi when, in the night between 12 and the 13 January 1978 made shipwreck on the island of Maraone not far from Ant. A leak in the aft bulkhead forced the crew to desist from any attempt to save the abandoning ship with all the cargo where the sea had run aground.
Confiscated by the Port of Trapani, the unit was assigned to clean the holds still filled with diesel at the company Milici that seven months later was awarded the contract for the purchase of the wreck but when he was about to tow it into port to retire it a new wind force storm 10 He dragged from the east at night “Elpis I” making engulfed in the space of water between Maraone and the Ant.
For almost 4 months stood, wedged between the seagrass meadows a few meters deep, creating inconvenience and hazards for boats in transit until, on the initiative of the same company that it was awarded the property, He was moved to the bottom of which still is waiting for a recovery, after 28 years, now has little chance of being carried out. And besides the fact fits perfectly with the precious restocking actions it carries out in favor of a sea area considered among the richest and most pristine that the Mediterranean offers us and makes us envy .... One more reason to want to immerse themselves in this place where the charm that always gets a “ghost of the past” adds the ability to enjoy browsing in peace and for quite a long time.
Let us be guided then by those who know the location and is able to let us have the necessary permits and then down to enjoy this experience exciting.
The dive usually starts from the stern of the Elpis where the concretion of orange sponges covering the propeller and the bottom of the hull offer wonderful opportunities for those who enjoy underwater photography.
Then follow the starboard side and climb up to the stern castle with its many openings invites to venture inside with due caution.
The feeling is one of the most exciting that a survey of a wreck can offer because of local darkness is cut nearly “artfully” by the numerous rays of light that filter from above and are all the more intense as more is near the water surface; the backlighting almost discourage the desire to use torches to search in the dark objects or interesting details while bubbles of dispensers end up breaking the atmosphere of mystery and peace reigns everywhere.
The sea has made it more exciting by giving color to the darkest metal, graceful forms the sheets more angular and sharp, animating the interior and the exterior of this large steel ghost of a continuously moving fauna.
The exploration thrill of corridors and holds gives way after a while’ the desire to “discover” the area covered, and even here the interesting details are not lacking especially in the forecastle where among winches, chains and other access gates inside photographic opportunities and reconstruction of the events of that tragic January of '78 come on meticulous observation of any diver.
Add to this the charm of the wonderful marine vegetation cover has been able to create in the elapsed time and that stands out in the forms of organisms such as spirografi e i parazoanthus scattered in every corner. Then the inevitable takes the desire to observe how the ship was still at sea and, as if to make a documentary, We move away from the bow to admire from afar all the grandeur of the dark shape.
E’ a moment of great emotion heightened by the fact that the strong brightness of the place and the transparency of water make it possible to look into the distance and measure the gaze with the size of this wreck, l’ Elpis, at which time gave an atmosphere of great charm and suggestiveness.
Do not miss these experiences of diving but be careful to choose the best conditions to enjoy diving which means program them with sunny conditions and ideal water clarity to give you maximum pleasure: Avoid days of strong southerly winds that stir the sea front on this small island of Formica making difficult even the anchors and then do not forget to choose good companions diving because even that of Elpis is one of the descents “dispersive” in which each surrenders to different interest and curiosity often forgetting with whom divides the exploration pleasure. For the rest ... enjoy it and a deep hug to all
Text and photos copyright © of Umberto Trapani per PalermoWeb.com
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