Baron Gautsch

The Austro-Hungarian passenger steamer Baron Gautsch, built in 1908, hit a mine in the defensive minefield off Pula on 13 August 1914 while sailing from Kotor via Mali Lošinj to Trieste, and sank within minutes; it is the worst Adriatic sea disaster of the First World War. The 89 m ship sits upright and well preserved on the seabed at 38–40 m, with the upper decks from about 28 m. It is a protected cultural monument, often called the Titanic of the Adriatic.

Facts

Region: Adriatic – Istria & Kvarner
Area: Istria West (Novigrad – Rovinj)
Depth: 28–40 m
Level: advanced
Current: moderate
Type: wreck
Coordinates: 44.9403, 13.5778
Highlights: 89 m passenger liner, European lobster, conger eel, fishing nets on the wreck
Permit: Protected cultural good: may only be dived with a dive centre holding a Ministry of Culture and Media permit for this zone under the 2024–2029 underwater-activities programme; individual diving is not allowed and groups are limited to 15 divers per guide. Only the upper decks may be entered. Check current rules. (Source: Ministry of Culture programme 2024–2029)
Issuer / contact: Ministry of Culture and Media of Croatia (Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage / competent conservation department)
- Phone: +385 1 4866 200
- Website: https://www.gov.hr/hr/ronjenje-na-kulturnim-dobrima/1556
Tips: Only centres holding a special Ministry of Culture permit may take divers here, and penetration is limited to the first two decks. Operators ask for at least AOWD with deep experience (Morski Puz: 50+ dives, deep specialty); nitrox is recommended.

Baron Gautsch

Facts

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