Exploring three deep wrecks off the coast of Oursinières
Located a few kilometers from Toulon, the charming port of Oursinières, in Pradet, offers deep diving enthusiasts privileged access to three remarkable wrecks. Just a few minutes of sailing away, seasoned divers and history lovers can explore exceptional remains, each with its own fascinating story.
Three wrecks, three unique stories
A vast cargo ship, an exceptionally well-preserved airplane wreck, and a former US Navy tug rest around 100 meters deep. Direct witnesses of World War II for the first two, and from a more recent era for the last, these wrecks are among the must-see dives in the Var region. Beyond the allure of discovery, they promise an experience rich in emotions and biodiversity.
The Guyane: Cargo with a thousand lives
Among the three sites, the Guyane wreck is the deepest. This 95-meter-long and 13-meter-wide refrigerated cargo ship had a tumultuous fate. Built in 1934 in Copenhagen under the name Dora, it was quickly acquired by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT), renamed Guyane, and assigned to freight transport between Martinique and Normandy.
In 1943, the Italians seized it and renamed it Acqui. After scuttling, the wreck was salvaged by the Germans, transformed into a minelayer under the name Niedersachsen. Its last mission was to lay mines off Toulon to counter a possible Allied landing. But on February 25, 1944, the British submarine Upstart evaded anti-submarine nets and launched three torpedoes. One hit the cargo ship on the starboard bow, causing the death of twelve sailors. The rest of the crew, including the captain, was rescued by escort ships.
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