The dive

The dive on the stern section is especially attractive if it is accompanied by clear water; such conditions are more prevalent during the winter months and enable divers to gain a full view of the entire stern section of the cruiser. Both sections of the wreck lie on a sandy sea bottom at a depth of 49 meters. Today, the bow is capsized and lies roughly 300 meters from the stern, which stands in navigational trim and in good condition. The explosion ruined the central part of the hull.

The first thing that strikes a diver on this wreck is the 102/35 mm gun that one finds still fixed to its original position. Today it is entirely covered by large numbers of encrusting organisms, such as algae, sponges, mussels, and bryozoans, which colonized every available structure.
Though the years have taken their toll, the wood bridge is very well preserved. Making one’s way towards the bow, immediately behind the gun, one finds the wholly preserved scaffolding of the telemeter tower. Below this lie the stern bridge and the vessel’s steering gear, formed by three parallel bronze wheels of decreasing diameter. All this is entirely encrusted by organisms, as are the compass and two telegraphs.

There are a couple of tight openings onto the bridge which allow divers to gain a glimpse of what lies inside the bridge; the arms, helmets and other materials one sees there pay tribute to the tragic sinking of the R.N. Cesare Rossarol and to the loss of life it sustained. Lastly, the slope of the wreck allows one to appreciate the attractive right propeller with its long shaft running outside the hull. While the structure is entirely colonized by sponges, echinoderms and sea stars, the area around the wreck is home to large numbers of fish. Scorpion fish are usually found in close proximity of the encrusted sheet metal, while lobsters are found hidden in crevasses.

On the seabed, between the two sections, lie materials and other debris caused by the vessel’s loss. While near the seabed, one may also gain a glimpse of the star representing the unity of the Italian Navy. Given the distance separating the two sections, it is not possible to see both on one dive. It is advisable to dedicate two different dives to fully appreciate both sections of this tragic wreck.

The sinking of the R. N. Cesare Rossarol represents a significant chapter in Italian Naval history. Anyone who has the privilege of diving here should respect the loss of life that will forever be linked to what lies beneath these waters.