Wreck José Illueca

42° 28′ 110″ North and 3° 11′ 587″ East.
Depth: castle 70 m – bottom 79 m

ACCEssiBLE only to hypoxic trimix divers

The wreckage of the Illueca José, located off Port-Vendres, is a fascinating and history of history. This freighter, built in 1922 in Gdansk, was sunk by British hunters on April 19, 1944, during the Second World War.

Characteristics of the wreckage

• History : The José Illueca was a cargo ship built in 1922 in Gdansk, measuring 46 meters in length and 7.50 meters in beam. Initially designed for maritime transport, it was sold in 1944 to the José Illueca shipping company based in Las Palmas. Unfortunately, on April 19, 1944, the ship was sunk by British fighters off the coast of Port-Vendres, adding a tragic chapter to its history.
• Structure and Exploration : The wreck of the José Illueca is relatively well preserved, despite the decades it has spent underwater. Divers can observe the ship's structure, which testifies to the maritime engineering of the era. Although the cargo ship is partially degraded, the outline of its hull and some elements of its infrastructure remain clearly visible, offering an immersive dive into history.
• Location : The wreck lies at a depth accessiblessiadvanced divers. It is located not far from the coast of Port-Vendres, making it a popular destination for sea diving. Visibility conditions vary, but divers can generally explore the wreck in good conditions.
• Marine Life : Like many shipwrecks, the José Illueca has become a habitat for a multitude of marine species. Divers can observe a variety of fish and invertebrates that have colonized the ship's structures. Areas where the hull is broken or corroded offer ideal hiding places for many marine creatures.
• Access and Safety : This site is recommended for experienced divers due to the depth and complexity of the wreck. Proper preparation is necessary, and the use of powerful underwater lights is required to explore the darker areas of the wreck.