Sunken ships are silent, harsh and secretive. Each ship hides a million stories and human secrets in its holds. Some of them drowned, lost their way or in a storm. Others suffered in military companies, proudly sinking to the bottom. But there are ships whose death seems stupid and ridiculous. It is to such ships that the famous Zenobia ferry can be attributed.
History
In 1979, Sweden launched the latest ocean freight cargo ferry called Zenobia. The ship was designed to transport bulky goods over long distances. It was equipped with modern navigation and computer equipment. “Zenobia” at that time was proudly called the flagship of the Swiss freight shipping.
The ferry was equipped with spacious cargo holds, which easily accommodated more than a hundred trucks and containers with other cargo. The ship's developers also made sure that the crew and truck drivers could comfortably accommodate on the ferry. Therefore, in addition to the cargo deck and the captain’s bridge, Zenobia included a comfortable wardroom, a canteen, medical facilities, etc.
The ship was impressive in its scale, and he was prophesied a long “working life”. But, unfortunately, this was not allowed to happen. On June 7, 1980, making its first long-distance voyage, the ferry sank off the coast of Cyprus.
The vessel was 178 meters long and 28 meters wide. The ship's displacement is 10,500 tons.
Crash reasons
To date, there are two versions of the wreck of the Zenobia ferry. Official sources say that the cause of the disaster was a failure in the electronic balance management system. The computer pumped water into the wrong compartment, thereby provoking a fatal roll.
The unofficial version is more confusing. Eyewitnesses claimed that balance problems arose on the way. To stabilize the ship, the captain, in accordance with the protocol, had to pump ballast. But in order to save time and fuel, it was decided not to do this. Zenobia reached the port of Larnaca. The crew and passengers were successfully evacuated, no one was injured. After the evacuation, the ship was driven off one and a half kilometers from the port and tried to fix the operation of the devices. But it was not possible to save the ship. He sank two days after arrival.
Today, the Zenobia ferry has remained lying not far from Larnaca (Cyprus). Its left side is located at a depth of 42 meters from the surface of the water, and the right - at 16 meters.
Sunken cargo
Fortunately, this shipwreck cost no casualties. But the cargo could not be saved. Together with the sunken Zenobia ferry, 104 trucks were at the bottom with cargo: building materials, alcohol, children's toys, food, etc. As well as several trucks (they are lying at the bottom a few meters from the ship), the Zhiguli car, which belonged to the captain, and other useful items.
Zenobia for tourists
A few years later, the Zenobia ferry (photo above) became a favorite tourist attraction. Both ordinary tourists and professional divers go to the flooding site. Fortunately, the transparency of water in the Mediterranean allows you to view the object from the surface.
So, what are standard excursions for tourists in Cyprus? The Zenobia ferry is included in the standard excursion offer of many travel companies. The excursion itself consists of boating, lunch, and the opportunity to snorkel over the ferry. As a rule, those who have bought such an excursion can view the upper side of the ship and millions of bubbles rising up (approximately like in the photo taken above the water of the Zenobia ferry located below).
The cost of such excursions varies from 30 to 70 euros (2-5 thousand rubles) per person. Everything will depend on where the tour is purchased. The best deals can be found directly at the port. Not far from the pier, the stands of tour operators are comfortably located. As a rule, these are direct offers of companies that are distinguished by a lower price and high quality.
Zenobia ferry diving
If an ordinary tourist treats the ferry as an ordinary tourist attraction, then for divers Zenobia is almost a cult place. Experts add it to the top ten best sunken objects in the world. The average cost of one dive on a ferry will cost an average of 50 euros (3500 p.) Per person. The price may vary depending on the club, but, as in the case of traditional excursions, the price is not always equal to quality.
The difficulty of diving will depend on the diver’s initial qualifications. Beginners will be offered to inspect the ferry along the perimeter. Experienced divers will be able to walk along the decks and holds: carefully inspect the wardroom, inspect trucks, look into the captain’s cabin.
The most interesting and complex part of Zenobia is the engine room. But now only well-trained professionals who have taken a dive course on sunken objects can get there.
Best time to visit the ferry
From spring to the end of September, there are traditionally many tourists in Cyprus. Warm sea water makes viewing the object pleasant for both ordinary tourists and divers. But adherents of technical diving is best to skip this period and come to dive on the Zenobia in November or December. Tourists and amateur divers will not interfere with a quiet inspection. In addition, the sea from Larnaca is calm, and the storm in this place is very rare, even in winter. The average water temperature at the bottom is about 16-19 degrees.
The Zenobia ferry impresses tourists with its austere beauty. Most people who are lucky enough to get acquainted with this object, one way or another, tend to see it again.