About Zenobia Shpiwreck

On the 4th of May 1980 the 10,000 ton Swedish roll-on roll-off ferry "Zenobia" slipped her mooring in Malmo Sweden and sailed for Syria, her maiden voyage. Onboard she had 104 huge lorries and trailers - full of cargo, intended for Mediterranean and Middle East markets.

About mid-way between Crete and Athens, the Zenobia started to tilt to the port side. A check discovered that the pumps controlling the water ballast system had put too much water into the ballast tanks. After four days in Piraeus the water had been pumped out and it was thought the problem was solved...

 
Again she sailed on towards Syria, this time stopping at Cyprus, where the 3rd of June she anchored in Larnaca Bay. However, the problem with the water ballast was still troubling the Zenobia. The computers controlling the water pumps appeared to be faulty. Worse news came to light - water was still being pumped into the side ballast tanks and it couldn't be turned off! 

On the 4th of June the Zenobia, now with a serious side list, was towed out of Larnaca harbour to prevent any possible collisions inside the port. She was towed 2000 meters and left at anchor awaiting a possible solution. All the crew was taken off on the lifeboats. 
At 2.30am on Saturday the 7th of June 1980, more than two hundred million pounds worth of vehicles and cargo sank slowly to their final resting place. With no salvage work being allowed and over 100 heavy lorries, industrial machinery, cars and extensive cargo, the Zenobia is really a diver's paradise.
 
Zenobia is officially classified as one of the 10 best diving destinations in the world and certainly the best in the Mediterranean. She is now a home to many species of marine life, and divers often encounter Amberjacks, Groupers, Barracuda, Wrasse, Sea Hares, Tuna, Ray and Scorpion Fish.