Marine Archaeology in Crete: Exploring Wartime Wrecks
Learn how Kefi Divers supported archaeological fieldwork at a British Landing Craft and explore the history and diving profile of SS Minnewaska III.
Category: History
Date: 2025
Read time: 6 min read
Marine Archaeology in Crete: Exploring Wartime Wrecks
History
2025
6 min read
Learn how Kefi Divers supported archaeological fieldwork at a British Landing Craft and explore the history and diving profile of SS Minnewaska III.
SS Minnewaska III wreck site
British Landing Craft
SS Minnewaska III
Dive Into History
Crete’s waters hold remains from more than one conflict. This guide explains Kefi Divers’ supporting role in archaeological fieldwork at a Second World War British Landing Craft, then turns to SS Minnewaska III, a First World War wreck that we regularly visit with appropriately qualified certified divers.
Marine Archaeology Project
British Landing Craft
Location:
Off western Crete
Construction:
The wreck has been associated with a British Tank Landing Craft Mk I and the A6/A20 identification. It may relate to the 1941 evacuation of Allied forces from Crete, but the archaeological evidence available to Kefi does not conclusively establish its precise identity.
Cause of Sinking:
Its loss may be connected with the 1941 evacuation period, but its precise identity and loss history remain uncertain unless established conclusively by the archaeological research.
Unexploded Ordnance:
During the project, marine archaeologist Fanis advised our team that two unexploded bombs are believed to remain at the site. We present this as his professional advice to us, not as an independently verified finding.
Kefi’s Supporting Role
Kefi Divers assisted Fanis, the marine archaeologist working on the project, with fieldwork: helping to locate and dive the wreck, underwater photography and video, mapping and measurements, plus boat and diving support. Kefi did not lead the archaeological project, and the British Landing Craft is not a recreational dive offered by Kefi Divers.
Recreational Wreck Dive
SS Minnewaska III
SS Minnewaska III wreck
Souda Bay
Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast; launched in 1908
Dimensions:
Approximately 183m long; 14,317 GRT
Original Use:
Transatlantic passenger liner; troop transport from 1915
Requisitioned by the British Government in 1915, Minnewaska transported Australian troops during the Gallipoli campaign.
On 29 November 1916, Minnewaska struck a mine at the entrance to Souda Bay. Captain Gates brought the damaged vessel into shallow water, and no loss of life was recorded.
Current State:
The vessel was later salvaged and broken up in situ. Its concentrated remains include hull sections and exposed ribs; it is not intact and has no penetration routes.
These two wrecks belong here for different reasons: the British Landing Craft reflects archaeological fieldwork that Kefi supported, while SS Minnewaska III is a historical wreck that Kefi regularly visits with appropriately qualified certified divers.
Plan Your Visit
For recreational wreck diving, Minnewaska lies at approximately 12–19m and can suit Open Water divers when appropriately guided and comfortable with conditions. The British Landing Craft is not part of Kefi Divers’ recreational dive programme.
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Read the complete SS Minnewaska III history and diving guide
Explore the current recreational wreck diving options around Chania