Diving on the wreck site
The shallowest depth on this wreck is 50 meters at the bow deck and the top of the wheelhouse, where the steering wheel is preserved in excellent condition. Below that is a second steering wheel inside the wheelhouse, which can be seen through open doors on both sides. Inside the wheelhouse the ship's compass can be identified in front of the steering wheel. Although covered in mussels and seabed sediments, its characteristic features are easily recognizable. On the front wall of the wheelhouse there are large windows equipped with clearview windows (rotating Kent screens), finished with brass details.
The wreck rests on its keel, and has a notably buried stern. It appears as if a powerful force pressed against its rear part, embedding it into the seafloor, causing the bow to lift above the bottom and expose the keel. The stern section is entangled with fishing nets. The depth at the stern is 63 meters at the bottom.
Occasionally, strong currents occur at the wreck's site.
Story
The wreck is most likely a tugboat, referred to as the Steamer, with a length of 30 meters and width of 5 m. No other information about this vessel is available. Its name, flag, how and when it sank remain a mystery.
Interesting Facts about the Wreck
According to some theories, the wreck of the Steamer is actually the "Abilla."
However, according to the official list of wrecks available for diving provided by the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the wreck of the "Abilla" is located closer to the port of Hel and lies at a depth of 49 meters. This is just an unconfirmed theory, which raises further questions: if the Steamer is indeed the "Abilla," then what is the wreck officially named "Abilla"?
Special thanks
We would like to sincerely thank Bartłomiej Pitala, a diver, 3d modeling enthusiast who lend us the materials to create a short video from the photogrammetric data gathered by Bartłomiej
I would also like to invite you to look at other works of his: https://sketchfab.com/bart.pitala
Text by: Kamil Stankiewicz
Translation: Szymon Rydzewski
If you have additional info on the ship or would like to correct the Information on the site - please contact us.
