TOP DIVE SITES – NORMANDY

Lawford (K514) – the wreck of a small warship lies at a depth of 24 m. The ship was attacked by enemy and sank in 1944. 37 crew members died. The wreck can be penetrated on all deck levels. Big crabs, congers and various fish can be seen there.
Location: off Juno Beach
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water

Leopoldsville – a 160 m long passenger liner used to carry American soldiers during the World War II. In 1944 the ship was attacked with torpedoes and sank. 808 passengers died in the disaster. The wreck lies at a depth of 60 m. It is almost intact and divers can penetrate it. Diving this wreck requires a licence because it is a protected area.
Location: near Cherbourg
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water

LST 523 (Carbonelle) – the wreck of a large ship (landing ship tank) lies upside down at a depth of 26 m. It struck a mine and sank in 1944. There is a lot to see around the wreck – electrical equipment, tanks and abundant marine life.
Location: off Omaha Beach
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sandy
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water

Murree – the wreck of a large Pakistani cargo freighter lies at a depth of 70 m in the busy shipping line. However, the top of the wreck is at about 40 m. The ship was on her way from Tilbury, England to Karachi, Pakistan and sank due to strong winds in 1989. The RNAS helicopters rescued 40 people (the crew and their families). Divers should be careful while exploring this wreck due to the fishing nets covering the superstructure. The wreck itself is almost intact and there is a lot to explore. It is recommended to dive there when the weather conditions are good and there are no drifts.
Location: between Plymouth and Guernsey, 35km south-east of Start Point
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: sand
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water

Strathalbyn – the wreck of a 120 m long British merchant ship lies intact at a depth of 30 m. The ship struck a mine and sank in 1916. The wreck is exposed to strong currents. Divers can encounter an excellent marine life there.
Location: near Cherbourg Harbour
Type of dive: boat dive
Sea bed: rocky
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water

Susan B Anthony – a 150 m long liner used for troop transport during World War II. The ship struck a mine and sank in 1944. The wreck lies at 24 m and divers can swim through its sections. The wreck is teeming with marine life.
Location: off Omaha Beach
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water

Turquoise – the wreck of 66 m long German gunboat. It was torpedoed and sank in 1942 by British boats. The wreck lies at a depth of about 40 m. The area is teeming with marine life.
Location: Bay of the Seine
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water

Ussa - the wreck of a large British steamship lies at a depth of 27 m. In 1917 the ship struck a mine and was broken into three parts. Besides the metal parts one can encounter there large crabs, congers and lobsters. The currents may be strong in this area.
Location: near Cherbourg
Type of dive: boat dive
Requirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water

France