Marine Archaeology in Crete: Exploring WWII Wrecks
Explore Crete's WWII underwater heritage. Dive the British Landing Craft and SS Minnewaska III wrecks with Kefi Divers in Chania.
Category: History
Date: 2025
Read time: 6 min read
Marine Archaeology in Crete: Exploring WWII Wrecks
History
2025
6 min read
Explore Crete's WWII underwater heritage. Dive the British Landing Craft and SS Minnewaska III wrecks with Kefi Divers in Chania.
SS Minnewaska III wreck site
British Landing Craft
SS Minnewaska III
Dive Into History
Crete's waters hold secrets from the past – sunken vessels that tell stories of wartime heroism and tragedy. Join us as we explore the remarkable WWII wrecks that lie beneath the waves off the Cretan coast.
Wreck #1
Location:
Off the coast of Balos Beach
Construction:
Initial observations indicate it is of similar design to the one at Falassarna (TLC - Tank Landing Craft).
Cause of Sinking:
It appears to have been sunk by bombardment of German aircraft, much like the Falassarna wreck.
Active Bombs:
It is rumoured that two active bombs remain near the wreck site to this day, posing potential risks and adding to the site's significance.
Limited Historical Data
Unfortunately, historical records regarding this particular wreck are extremely limited, leaving much of its story unexplored — making it a fascinating mystery for marine archaeologists.
Wreck #2
SS Minnewaska III wreck
Souda Bay
Built in Belfast in 1908
Dimensions:
50m Long & 10m Wide
Original Use:
Cruise Ship (1909-1915)
In 1915, it was requisitioned by the British Royal Navy for the transportation of troops, participating in a critical part of WWI — the Gallipoli Campaign.
Nov 19, 1916, it departed from Souda Bay, sinking just minutes after departure. Some sources suggest it struck a floating mine; others indicate it was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine.
Current State:
The ship's skeleton and other parts remain on the seabed at Souda Bay. Over the years its condition has deteriorated due to natural erosion.
These wrecks offer divers a unique opportunity to explore maritime history firsthand. While some sites require advanced certifications due to depth and conditions, the experience of hovering over a piece of history is truly unforgettable.
Plan Your Visit
Some wreck sites require Advanced Open Water certification. Check with your dive centre about depth requirements and conditions before booking.
Interested in exploring Crete's underwater heritage?
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Check out our dive experiences or explore our dive sites to start your own adventure beneath the waves.