Ship wrecks to dive for across the planet

Shipwrecks are important discoveries. Over countless centuries, there have been many ships that have fallen prey to accidents – natural as well as caused by human interference. I have had the pleasure of putting together some incredible itineraries for an avid traveller, who has been wanting to incorporate these into her plans when she explores the world, to find some of the precious maritime treasures that have been lying at the ocean’s floor.

Dimitrios - Valtaki Beach, Greece

Visible from the roadside, the former freight ship's past is mysterious - no one quite knows how it got there back in 1981; some say it was torched to get rid of evidence of illegal cigarette smuggling, others claim it was just abandoned by its owners then swept loose before beaching. Either way, it makes a striking landmark and is sure worth an explore!

SS Maheno - Fraser Island, Australia

The most famous of the areas shipwrecks, this once well-known trans-Tasman liner was Japan-bound when it met a stormy end here in 1935 after hitting a cyclone. She's had quite a life - originally crossing back and forth across the Tasman Sea, she was then called into service as a hospital ship in 1905 then called across to the UK to serve the wounded European soldiers. It's a shame she has now been left rusting and forgotten.

Sweepstakes - Lake Huron, North America

Often described as the world's most beautiful shipwreck, the haunting hull of this 19th century Canadian schooner remains in just 20 feet of water. It sank in 1885 and is a captivating wreck, visited by divers and boat passengers regularly. Unfortunately, we're not able to actually go inside the wreck, but simply being able to get up close is rather amazing!

Giannis D - Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, Red Sea

A spectacular site underneath this treacherous reef, Giannis D is one of four wrecks in close proximity. Sha'ab Abu Nuhas Reef has brought passing ships more than their fair share of bad luck - but offering some spectacular wreck diving for us! Sunk in 1983, the Japanese freighter is also often visited by snorkellers.

Bád Eddie - Bunbeg, County Durham

Although part of the beach's landscape since the early 70's, the fishing vessel was only made famous when it appeared in Bono's music video for 'In a lifetime' in 1985. Pictures of the boat with Mount Errigal in the background have become one of the most famous images of the west Donegal Gaeltacht. There have been calls to replace this iconic wreck with a monument as the vessel's exposure to the elements has left it in a dangerous state. There's no time like the present - visit it now!

So there it is - my account of just a handful of wrecks throughout the world which I'd recommend adding to your 'bucket list', should you have any interest at all in such beautiful, decaying objects.