Discovering History Underwater: My Dive at Relitto dell'Aereo, Elba

As I descended into the Mediterranean's crystal-clear waters off Elba's coast, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Today's second dive would take me to one of Italy's most intriguing underwater sites: the Relitto dell'Aereo, a plane wreck with a fascinating story to tell.

At 30 meters deep, surrounded by the gentle sway of Posidonia seagrass, I found myself face-to-face with a piece of aviation history. This BN-2A Islander aircraft, once operated by Transavio, has been transformed by time and tides into a thriving artificial reef.

The visibility was exceptional that day – a perfect 18°C water temperature and sunny conditions made for ideal diving conditions. As I glided around the wreck during my 53-minute bottom time, I could clearly see how the plane had settled slightly tilted on its right wing, with its left engine detached and resting on the sandy bottom.

But what really catches your attention is the story behind this underwater time capsule. On June 27, 1980 (coincidentally the same day as the Ustica disaster), this eight-seater aircraft made an emergency water landing just south of Punta Calamita. Thanks to the pilot's skill, all three occupants survived, swimming safely to shore. Originally settling at 90-100 meters, the wreck was gradually moved by fishing nets to its current, more accessible location.

A nice video of the Relitto dell'Aereo by MrBlue FreeDiver

Quick Dive Stats (logged with Octologs):

• Maximum Depth: 33m

• Bottom Time: 53min

• Air Consumption: 140bar

• Water Temperature: 18°C

• Air Temperature: 28°C

• Conditions: Sunny with excellent visibility

Pro Tip: When diving historical sites like this, I always appreciate having my dive computer synced with my digital logbook. It helps me focus on the experience while automatically tracking my dive profile.

This dive reminded me why I'm so passionate about both diving and developing tools for the diving community. Every wreck has a story, and every dive deserves to be remembered. Whether you're planning your first visit to Relitto dell'Aereo or logging your hundredth dive, having a reliable way to document these underwater memories is priceless.

Have you explored any fascinating wreck sites lately? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Download Octologs and share your underwater adventures with our growing community of passionate divers.