SS Burdigala (Kea, permit-only guided dive)
SS Burdigala, a former transatlantic liner built in 1897, sank in November 1916 off Kea's coast and lies upright at 59–75 m, about one nautical mile from the island according to Kea Divers. It is part of the Kea Underwater Historic Site, dived on guided, non-penetration technical dives with a line and decompression; currents can be strong.
Facts
- Region: Greece – Cyclades & Dodecanese
- Area: Kea (Britannic & wrecks)
- Depth: 59–75 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: wreck
- Coordinates: 37.66, 24.28 (approximate)
- Highlights: ocean liner built 1897, sunk 1916, upright, technical dive
- Permit: Part of the Kea Underwater Historic Site (opened to divers in June 2022). Access only with guided dives run by a licensed Greek dive centre; individual divers may not dive the wreck or the protected zone around it (minimum distance 300 m), penetration is not allowed, nothing may be removed, and photo/video is for personal use only. Divers need insurance and a recent medical statement. Wrecks are among the 91 ship and aircraft wrecks designated by the Ministry of Culture (Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities) with the Defence and Shipping ministries. Book through a licensed operator such as Kea Divers (info@keadivers.com, +30 22880 22280). (Contact data as shown for the ministry page in search listings; the page itself blocked our automated fetch, so confirm before use.)
- Issuer / contact: Hellenic Ministry of Culture – Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities
- Phone: +30 210 92 35 105
- Email: eena@culture.gr
- Website: https://culture.gov.gr/en/ministry/SitePages/viewyphresia.aspx?iid=1369
- Unverified: Unverified: no published position – only 'about one nautical mile from Kea's coast' (Kea Divers) and 'south-west of Cape Agios Nikolaos' (a travel directory); sources disagree on the exact bearing, so the point is an estimate.
- Tips: Scooters are recommended by the operator because of the current; depth-appropriate certification required.