The Avantis III Shipwreck
- Foteini Grizi
- Jun 6, 2024
- 1 min read
Did you know that very close to the area of Aegina, on Angistri, in the Saronic Gulf, there is a very recent shipwreck, open and accessible to the public? It is the cargo ship Avantis III, known until 1982 as Akershus.
Built in 1977 in Norway, with a length of 80m and a width of 13m, the ship had a capacity of 2,362 tons. It was traveling from Messolonghi to Cyprus, carrying construction materials. In 2004, during this voyage, it collided with the island of Dorusa, where it remains submerged today. The 12 crew members managed to board lifeboats and ensure their safety, except for the cook of the Avantis, Vasilis Koronis, who tragically lost his life. The wreck lies at a depth of 18-48 meters, with its left side tilted at a 90° angle.
The propeller is located in its original position at a depth of 41m, while the crane with its wire ropes rests on the seabed. The wreck is generally well-preserved, with all equipment remaining in its original position, including the radio, radar screen, and the right anchor.
It is worth noting that at the bow of the ship, one can still clearly observe the ship's name. Additionally, the engine room and both cargo holds are accessible. Inside one of the holds, a significant portion of the cargo is well-preserved, and the crack from the collision, which caused the ship's sinking, is clearly visible. Furthermore, the Varadero engine, which is also part of the cargo, remains intact.
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