Diving atGrec (Sagona) (France)
Reaching the Grec (Sagona) wreck requires navigating depths of up to 48 m / 157 ft in the Mediterranean Sea, presenting a significant technical dive. This cargo ship, sunk shortly after WWII, lies in two primary sections, providing a distinct wreck diving experience near its sister wreck, the Donator. Conditions here often mirror those of its neighbor, with currents and visibility varying depending on the prevailing weather patterns. Planning your dive with appropriate experience and equipment is crucial for this historic site.
Tonight's objective overview for Grec (Sagona) shows an air temperature of 16.9°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.72m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
42.9900, 6.2700
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
The Grec, also known as the Sagona, presents a fascinating historical dive with a compelling narrative. This small cargo ship, originally built in Dundee in 1912 and later armed as a pinardier, met its end on December 3, 1945.
While carrying a cargo of wine, the Sagona struck a mine on its port bow within the Great Pass area, leading to its immediate sinking and the loss of three crew members. Divers exploring the Grec will find its wreckage in two distinct parts, separated by a few dozen meters; the central and aft stern sections remain upright on the seabed.
In contrast, the bow section is heavily dislocated, telling a vivid story of the explosion. The site is notable for its close proximity to the Donator wreck, having sunk in a similar manner and just 23 days apart, only a few hundred meters away.
While sharing many characteristics, the Grec's orientation differs, with its remnants facing Port-Cros. This deep wreck, sitting at 48 m / 157 ft, requires advanced diving skills to fully appreciate its structure and historical context.
Best Time to Dive
For an optimal diving experience at the Grec (Sagona), consider planning your visit during the warmer months, particularly June and August, which consistently show 'Good' dive scores. These months offer comfortable air temperatures averaging around 21.5°C (June) to 24.5°C (August) and minimal rainfall, with June averaging just 0.5 mm and August 0.85 mm. Sea conditions are generally calmer during this period, with wave heights around 0.9 to 1.0 meter and lighter winds typically between 28-29 km/h. While July and September also offer moderate diving conditions, the peak summer months typically provide the best combination of warm weather and favorable sea states, making access to this deep wreck more predictable.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
The Grec (Sagona) wreck's structure reveals its violent end, split into two major sections; the central and aft parts stand mostly upright, offering a clear profile of the vessel's stern to explore. The bow, conversely, exhibits significant damage and dislocation, vividly illustrating the mine explosion that caused its demise. Exploring this site demands advanced and technical diving certifications due to its considerable depth. Conditions often mirror those encountered at the nearby Donator wreck, only a short distance away. Mediterranean water temperatures fluctuate seasonally, with summer generally providing more hospitable conditions for prolonged bottom times. Given the profound nature of this deep dive, meticulous gas planning and strict adherence to decompression protocols are imperative for a safe and rewarding exploration of this compelling historical site.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Ensuring safety at the Grec (Sagona) mandates meticulous preparation and strict adherence to advanced protocols, given the significant depths involved. An expert tip for this challenging wreck is to ensure you hold appropriate certification for technical or deep diving, along with experience in similar environments. Always dive with a reliable buddy and meticulously plan your gas consumption and decompression stops. While the mine that sank the ship is a historical hazard, the primary considerations today involve managing narcosis, temperature, and potential currents that vary with conditions. Respecting the integrity of this WWII historical site is also paramount, ensuring no artifacts are disturbed.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
For divers planning standard recreational dives, 5-7mm wetsuit is usually a suitable option. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. A thermal robe or jacket is recommended between dives. Divers vary widely in how quickly they feel cold underwater.
Conditions at Grec (Sagona) currently place the water temperature near 18°C (64°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 17°C (62°F).
The forecast outlook suggests that temperatures will stay close to current levels.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EUR
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Grec (Sagona)
When approaching the Grec wreck, divers often first notice the stark outlines of the vessel's structure, which has become an artificial reef over decades. Despite the absence of specific marine life reports tied exclusively to the Grec, wrecks in this area generally attract a profusion of life and color. Reported sightings for the broader Îles d'Hyères region, where the Grec lies, include various fish species. While sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles are listed as common sightings in the region, encounters specifically on the Grec wreck itself will vary, but larger pelagics and schooling fish can be attracted to the structure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth of the Grec (Sagona) wreck?
The Grec (Sagona) wreck reaches a maximum depth of 48 meters, classifying it as a deep dive site. This depth requires advanced or technical diving certification and experience.
What kind of vessel was the Grec (Sagona)?
The Grec was a small cargo ship, originally built in 1912. At the time of its sinking, it was armed as a pinardier, carrying a cargo of wine.
How did the Grec (Sagona) sink?
The Grec sank on December 3, 1945, after hitting a mine on its port bow. This incident occurred shortly after the end of the Second World War.
Is the Grec wreck intact?
The wreck of the Sagona lies in two main parts, separated by a few dozen meters. The central and aft stern sections stand upright, but the bow section is heavily dislocated due to the explosion.
How does the Grec compare to the Donator wreck?
The Grec and Donator wrecks are very similar, having sunk in the same manner by mines just 23 days apart and only a few hundred meters from each other. Their diving conditions are practically identical, though their orientations differ.
What are the best months to dive the Grec (Sagona)?
The best time to dive the Grec (Sagona) is typically during June and August. These months offer the most favorable air temperatures, minimal rainfall, and calmer sea conditions, making for a more pleasant diving experience.
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