Scuba diving at the Bettolina shipwreck

Scuba diving here is more suited if you are a technical diver who already has some experience and knowledge concerning deep shipwrecks.

The wreck is approximately 1 mile east of the tiny rock in Portoferraio, between Bagnaia and Nisporto.

It is a cargo ship about 50 metres long and 7 metres wide, used for carrying cement on the Piombino - Portoferraio route. The reasons for itssinking are probably due to its cargo moving about because of the terrible conditions of the weather and hence the sea.

The wreck,that looks as though it is about to set sail, lies on the sandy seabedand is in perfect condition. The most interesting parts are the main deck where you can still see the helm wheel, the quarterdeck and the winch at the bow. Several of the cargo bay doors are open and if you have torches you can seelocal fish inside.

Photographs kindly lent by Riccardo Buralli - Diving in Elba