The Beechcraft RU-21A wreck near Anavyssos is one of the most accessible aircraft wreck dives near Athens, combining history, shallow depth, and easy shore access.
Dive Overview
On the warm summer afternoon of July 24, 1985, a formation of four Beechcraft RU-21A aircraft operated by the U.S. Army was flying off the coast of Attica en route to Israel.
Following a mechanical failure, aircraft 0-18113 separated from the formation and crashed into the sea near Anavyssos.
Fortunately, the three crew members were rescued by nearby vessels.
Today, the remains of the aircraft rest in shallow water and form one of the most approachable and enjoyable wreck dives within close distance of Athens.
The dive starts from the old pier area of Palaia Fokaia, around 45 kilometers from central Athens.
Entry & Conditions
Access is very easy by road, taking approximately one hour from central Athens.
You can park close to the small pier and prepare your equipment near the shoreline.
The entry point is located at the old pier of Palaia Fokaia.
The shoreline itself is rocky, but non-divers accompanying you have plenty of nearby options for swimming, food, coffee, or relaxing along the Athenian Riviera.
Enter the water walking from the shore with the pier on your right side.
What You ‘ll See
After completing your buddy checks, begin swimming northwest.
If using a compass, follow a heading of approximately 305°.
The aircraft lies around 200 meters from shore.
After about 100 meters of surface swimming, you will encounter a small elongated reef. Continue with the reef on your right side, and after another 100 meters the aircraft will appear.
The wreck rests upside down on the seabed at only 6 meters depth.
The landing gear remains deployed exactly as during the impact with the sea, while the wheels have collapsed inward into the landing gear bays.
Most of the fuselage and wings remain intact, although the tail section is missing.
It is believed the aircraft originally crashed elsewhere and was later dragged to its current location by fishing nets, which likely caused the destruction of the tail section.
Take time to explore the aircraft carefully while maintaining excellent buoyancy control.
Scattered debris and aircraft fragments can also be found in the surrounding area, together with marine life that now uses the wreck as shelter.
Because of the shallow depth, the dive is long and relaxed, with gas supply usually being the only limiting factor.
Return to shore following the same route.
Important Consideration
- Long surface swim required
- Excellent buoyancy recommended around the wreck
- Watch for fishing activity in the area
- Rocky shoreline entry
Depth Profile
The aircraft wreck rests at approximately 6 meters depth, making this an extremely shallow and accessible wreck dive.
Tips for divers
- Use a compass heading of 305°
- Surface swim to conserve gas
- Explore slowly to spot scattered aircraft fragments
- Take advantage of the shallow depth for underwater photography
- Maintain careful buoyancy over the wreck structure
Why this dive stands Out
The Beechcraft RU-21A wreck stands out as one of the few shallow aircraft wreck dives near Athens, offering history, accessibility, and long bottom times in clear Mediterranean water.
Scubadiver.gr would like to thank Antonios Ramos for the article and Diver’s Corner Dive Center for the support.
