Wreck José Illueca

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 freighter built in 1922 in Gdansk, measuring 46 meters in length and 7.50 meters of Master Bau. Initially designed for maritime transport, it was sold in 1944 to the José Illueca armament based in Las Palmas. Unfortunately, on April 19, 1944, the ship was sunk by British hunters off Port-Vendres, adding a tragic page to its history.
• Structure and exploration : the wreck of the Illueca José is relatively well preserved, despite the decades spent underwater. Divers can observe the structure of the ship, which testifies to the maritime engineering of the time. Although the cargo is partly degraded, the contours of its shell and certain elements of its infrastructure remain clearly visible, offering an immersive dive in history.
• Location : The wreck rests at a depth accepted ssi Ble to intermediate to advanced divers. It is not far from the coast of Port-Vendres, which makes it a popular destination for diving at sea. Visibility conditions vary, but divers can generally explore the wreck in good conditions.
• Marine life : Like many wrecks, the José Illueca has become a habitat for a multitude of marine species. Divers can observe a variety of fish and invertebrates who colonized the structures of the ship. The areas where the shell is broken or corroded offer ideal hiding places for many sea creatures.
• Access and security : The site is recommended for divers with some experience, due to the depth and complexity of the wreckage. Adequate preparation is necessary, and the use of submarine lamps is recommended to explore the darkest parts of the wreckage.