S-57 Wreck

S-57 was a German fast torpedo boat built in 1940 that served in the Adriatic from 1944. In August 1944, after an ambush by British boats between Korčula and Mljet, it caught fire and was scuttled off the steep south coast of Pelješac, about two nautical miles south of the Lirica islet. The 30 m wreck lies between 20 and 38 m and is described as the only preserved boat of its class.

Facts

• Region: Adriatic – South
• Area: Korčula & Pelješac
• Depth: 20–38 m
• Level: advanced
• Current: low
• Type: wreck
• Coordinates: 42.8558, 17.4942 (approximate)
• Highlights: German WWII fast torpedo boat (Schnellboot), legally protected 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. The torpedoes 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: Protected by law: diving only with an instructor from an authorised centre. Long boat ride from Dubrovnik (about 60 min).

Sources

• https://www.blueplanet-diving.com/en/news/2/43/s-57-wreck
• https://www.wannadive.net/spot/Europe/Croatia/South_adriatic/S-57_wreck/index.html
• 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
• https://www.gov.hr/hr/ronjenje-na-kulturnim-dobrima/1556