Hans Schmidt
The 99 m cargo steamer Hans Schmidt was built in the Netherlands in 1920 as the Albireo and for a long time was known to divers simply as the Istria. Carrying arms and ammunition, it struck a mine on 23 January 1943 and was torn in two. The wreck lies at 35–43 m in two parts, the bow section about 10 m from the rest, and a rare old-pattern anchor is one of its curiosities.
Facts
- Region: Adriatic – Istria & Kvarner
- Area: Istria West (Novigrad – Rovinj)
- Depth: 35–43 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: moderate
- Type: wreck
- Coordinates: 44.99055, 13.66278 (approximate)
- Highlights: 99 m cargo steamer, historic anchor, conger eel
- 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. Entering parts of the wreck without natural light is prohibited. Finds around the wreck must not be touched. 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: Decompression-range wreck for experienced divers; offered from Rovinj and Vrsar.
Sources
- https://www.istra.hr/en/experience/sports-and-outdoor/diving/1385
- https://diving-rovinj.com/scuba-diving/wrack-hans-schmidt-istra/7
- https://www.wannadive.net/spot/Europe/Croatia/North_adriatic/Istra/Hans_Schmidt_Wreck/index.html
- https://starfish.hr/diving-tours/
- https://min-kulture.gov.hr/program-obavljanja-podvodnih-aktivnosti-u-unutarnjim-morskim-vodama-i-teritorijalnom-moru-republike-hrvatske-u-podrucjima-gdje-se-nalazi-kulturno-dobro-za-2024-2029-godinu/25860