Today the City of Athens sits in 110 ft of water on a sandy bottom. The wreck is in one contiguous piece, however, quite broken up. The most distinctive features are the large boilers near her midsection. Decking and hull plates have collapsed in on her. There is a small section off wreckage believed to be the bridge not far off the port side, some 30 yards or so. The mass of twisted wreckage gives good home to fish and lobsters. Artifacts are also found. Ammo, bottles, brass, and china, have all been found. While some can still be found amidst the metal, most artifacts require digging. Because of her distance from shore, visibility is usually quite good, averaging around 35-40 ft, and occasionally exceeding 60.
The bow is quite intact with the anchor resting at the same place it was stowed. The depth at this point is 93 ft and drops to around 108 as you descend into the hold.
Fish are everywhere, but few large specimens. A nice school of Spadefish cruised the wreck during our visit. Artifacts are present for the patient hand-fanner, along with lobsters. Bits of broken glass and pottery shards lie exposed from earlier artifact hunters. Mussels hang in pods from the rusting hulk.
Visibility is better when a current is present on this site. We had around 25 ft with nice ambient light. Conditions can be on the intense side at times - darkness and a swift current are not uncommon. This should be considered a advanced dive.
- Jeff Barris
The culprit -
La Gloire, 10,212 tons, launched 1900, scrapped 1922
The French government apparently made some effort to cover up the entire affair.
I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.
Copyright © 1996-2008 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted
