Wreck L'Astrée

42° 31′ 40″ North and 3° 08′ 52″ East.
Depth: Decks 40 m – bottom 45 m.
Orientation: North – South. Bow to the North.
Accessiblessilevel 2 (see diagram).

The wreck of the Astrée, located off Port-Vendres, is a maritime vestige of an old fruit cargo. Resting on the seabed about 2 miles from the coast, it allows divers to explore a section of the underwater history of the eastern Pyrenees.

Characteristics of the wreckage

• History The Astrée is a cargo ship built in 1921 in England under the name Bellbro, then bought by a French shipowner who gave it this name. It was mainly used to transport ore between North Africa and mainland France. Requisitioned during the Second World War, it passed under the German flag and then the Italian flag (Siena).

  On May 1, 1944, off the coast of Port-Vendres, it was torpedoed by the British submarine HMS Untiring. In Port-Vendres and Banyuls, it is still said that oranges floated to the surface and were collected on the shore.

• Structure and Exploration : The wreck of the Astrée lies largely intact, making it a fascinating sitessidivers. You can circumnavigate the wreck, offering an impressive viewssithe structure. Large openings allow for safe exploration of the ship's interior. The central superstructure is particularly noteworthy, although it lacks its roof. It remains very impressivessioffers a bird's-eye view of the ship's interior, including areas like the galley, which are still recognizable.
• Location : The wreck of the Astrée is accessiblessiintermediate and advanced divers. Its underwater position and state of preservation allow for relatively easy exploration, with good visibility generally guaranteed by local conditions. The site is alsossi for its beautiful exterior views and easy access to the ship's interior.
  The wreck is located approximately 200 meters from the Saumur.
• Marine Life : Like many shipwrecks, the Astrée has become a haven for marine life. Divers can observe a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other marine creatures that have colonized the site over the years. The wreck is covered in a rich marine life, which adds color and vibrancy to underwater exploration.
• Access and Safety : The wreck is an excellent site for divers with moderate to advanced experience. Diving on the Astréessiproper planning, particularly regarding safety and the use of underwater lights to explore the darker areas inside the ship.