For many divers is a news and for others it is a site that is still unknown, but in Liguria and exactly in the seabed in front of Albenga (Sv) there is one of the most important underwater archaeological dive sites of our beloved country, "The wreck of a Roman ship ".
The first remains finds date back to the early '900, amphorae from the Roman period were discovered by a fisherman about 40 meters deep and 1 mile away from the coast. We had to wait until 1948 for the organized works of recovery of the remains of the ship. Were never found remains of the ship that was used to transport goods, but there were numerous amphoraes transported.
Historical importance
The Roman ship of Albenga rapresent an important historical moment for the Italian underwater archeology. In addition to being important for its load of very ancient times, on the site were carried out pioneering procedures in underwater recovery for the time which then activated further studies "of the Italian archaeological", marking an extremely important moment for our country even for the diving industry.
The site
The amphorae lying on a sandy bottom at a depth of 40 meters in front of the town of Albenga (Sv). The descents and ascents are done through peaks and tolls specially placed for divers. The local diving centers and authorized officers may stop and wait for the divers to conduct their explorations.
The amphorae cover an area 40 meters long and 16 wide in this space amphorae are numerous, many still intact and the same have become the lair of conger eels, moray eels and sometimes lobsters.
The dive is not particularly difficult, but given the depth is recommended to own a certification for deep dives and eventually a certification for the use of enriched air mixture. Not request a wretch diving certification.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in archaeological purposes have been carried out since the mid-50s, as I said even with pioneering techniques. The recreational dives were possible until the mid-2000s due to thefts authorities and institutions have then decided to stop diving and open investigations to trace those directly responsible.
Many were the years of waiting to see unlocked the site of a Roman ship. From 2014, the Ministry of Culture, in conjunction with the ocal Guard Coast have finally authorized the local diving centers to return to dive during the few openings in the year. Today, under the supervision of the Ministry and the Guard Coast of Loano, you can dive and enjoy a unique show of its kind in Italy.
Diving Marina di Loano
Corrado Ambrosi, owner of Marina Diving Loano, has worked closely with the authorities and local institutions so that there was again a chance to immerse themselves in this fascinating wreck.
These are the words of Corrado Ambrosi on the news of special openings granted to authorized diving centers:
"I had the pleasure to dive in the past on the remains of a Roman ship and many clients have been diving with us and shared with me this pleasure. It 'been a great personal sorrow to know that was no longer possible visit a site so important and beautiful. We have worked hard to put our head back underwater with our tanks. The years of waiting were many, but today we can finally offer to all divers a great opportunity and excitement. I am satisfied with this success but now we want to show the history and the beauty of the site to all Italy and all scuba diving enthusiasts. "
Marina Diving is the only PADI center of the area and its authorized staff, in conjunction with other local diving centers, has reclaimed the archaeological objects from pollutants and other materials that marred the spectacle underwater restoring luster to the site.
During July, a team of divers friends of Marina Diving conducted a dive and dedicated their efforts to photo surveys / video and also mapping of the site.
When and how to dive
The special openings are established by the Ministry of Culture in certain times of the year. Is mandatory to book in advance your diving contacting Corrado Ambrosi and Marina Diving. Have already been two the weekend where many divers were able to admire the spectacular underwater during the just past summer. A further date by 2014 is planned for October. For any information or booking, please call the PADI Instructor Development Centre Marina Diving PADI phone number +39/3356611106 - Corrado Ambrosi
