Pomonte, Tuscany, Italy

Relitto Elviscot

The Elviscot is the most popular wreck dive of Elba Island, lying in just 10–12 metres of water off the village of Pomonte on the island's southwestern coast. The Italian cargo ship sank on 10 January 1972 after running aground in heavy weather; today the hull rests upright on a sandy seabed, broken into two main sections, with the engine and propeller still in place. The shallow depth and easy boat (or even swim) access make the Elviscot suitable for beginner divers and freedivers, and it is one of the most popular underwater photography sites on Elba. The wreck has become an artificial reef colonised by yellow Eunicella cavolini fans on the deeper hull, red and yellow encrusting sponges, and small bryozoan colonies. Resident fish include damselfish swarms, octopus, moray eels, scorpionfish, painted comber, ornate wrasses, salema schools and sea breams. Visibility is typically 10–15 metres. Currents are usually weak in the lee of the shore. Boats depart from Pomonte and Marina di Campo.