During a diving holiday in Croatia, it is worth taking a tour to the infamous wreck of the Cesare Rossarol, a fascinating sunken ship and war grave at Cape Munat Veliki off the coast of Istria. A little diving trip report about an incredibly exciting wreck.

On November 16, 1918, the Cesare Rossarol ran at 12.45 p.m. while crossing a minefield on one of the insidious underwater bombs. The ship from the light scout class is torn in half by a huge explosion and sinks into the depths within three minutes. The few survivors escape from the water at Cape Munat Veliki. But 98 seafarers pay for the sinking with their lives. Particularly tragic: the ship was on its way home. It had survived the entire First World War, because the last battles were already over.

The Cesare Rossarol is now a fascinating war grave

Today the “Cesare Rossarol,” which is about the size of a modern torpedo boat, is a densely overgrown wreck. Her 30 meter long aft section is tilted slightly to the port side and is between 42 and 49 meters deep. The descent takes place on a line down to the 102 mm gun and from here directly to the rear end of the ship. Once there, you can see parts of the right propeller and the rudder under the stern, which have sunk into the ground. A good backdrop for photos!

On the deck of the Italian Navy ship, which was launched in 1914, there is a well-preserved 102 mm gun and a 40 mm machine gun, both of which are heavily overgrown with shells and algae. On the stern section, some details such as an old scale with a pointer can also be observed near the triple steering wheel. Even the brass rudder angle indicator is still in good condition. Here is also the rangefinder with the corresponding cage in which the crew members stood in combat.

Cesare Rossarol – well-preserved wreck in the Adriatic off Croatia

If you dive further forward, you will pass the well-preserved ammunition for the anti-aircraft gun, which is still in the associated belt. From there you can quickly reach the break point on the deep side, where you can get a few more insights into the interior of the “Rossarol”. At the top of the edge there is also a porthole complete with glass, which can also be tilted. There are numerous hatches and openings throughout the deck that lead to the mezzanine. They are usually too small to dive into the wreck. But if you look through it, you will find occasional relics such as dishes, ammunition and occasional military equipment.

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Cesare Rossarol is a war grave and memorial

The destroyer's bow is almost 300 meters away and is slightly larger at around 40 meters. However, this part appears to have rotated as the ship sank and is now lying on the bottom with the keel upwards. The bow can be dived through very nicely. There are numerous items such as ammunition boxes and military equipment. At the very front of the bow is the star of the Italian Navy, as was common on all ships in the Italian fleet. The “Cesare Rossarol” is both a war grave and a memorial. Each year on the day of her sinking, a flag is hung from the rangefinder's cage to commemorate the victims of the sinking and the First World War. There is a monument at Cape Munat Veliki where the few survivors pulled themselves out of the water.

Possible dives at the Cesare Rossarol

Easy route on the Cesare Rossarol

Dive down the descent line to the 102 mm gun (1). From there it goes to the propeller and rudder (2). The wreck is slightly tilted. So we continue on the deep side of the deck past various hatches (3) and openings (4). If you dive along the deck on your right shoulder, you will come across the rudder angle indicator (5) and the anti-aircraft bullets in the ammunition belt (6). This is followed by the breach where the ship is torn apart. The intact porthole (7) is also located there. On the way back, put the rangefinder with cage on (8). This is another highlight of the easy route!

Heavy route for experienced and technical divers

The second tour also goes down to the gun turret. From there the dive leads away from the stern and over to the bow of the warship, which lies almost 300 meters from the stern with the keel upwards. The front section of the ship is very easy to dive through. There are many items there. But be careful! This dive is suitable for very experienced divers and requires larger amounts of gas.

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Have you already been diving in Croatia or do you know the wreck of the Cesare Rossarol? Share your experiences in the comments.