Dive Site: Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck

About Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck

The Dimitri wreck, affectionately known as the "Cotton Wreck," is a steel coastal freighter that offers a compelling dive experience near Kaş, Turkey. This vessel originally struck islands in 1968, scattering its cargo of cotton bales, and subsequently sank during a storm after being dynamited to extract machinery. Its accessible depth and historical context make it a significant attraction for divers in the region. Resting on a slope, the wreck begins at approximately 25 meters and extends down to 40 meters, making it suitable for a range of certified divers. The surrounding topography includes dramatic walls that drop to 20 meters, complementing the wreck exploration with reef diving opportunities. An underwater memorial artwork is also found near the wreck, adding another layer of interest to the site. The marine environment around the Dimitri Wreck is vibrant, featuring common Mediterranean species like pufferfish, groupers, lionfish, and occasional turtles. While the sources do not provide specific seasonality for these species at this site, the general Kaş area experiences warm waters and good visibility from June to September, making it a prime time for marine life observation. Your dive at Dimitri typically involves a boat entry from Kaş, followed by a controlled descent to the wreck. Due to potential currents, divers should be prepared for drift conditions. The site combines the allure of wreck discovery with the rich biodiversity of a Mediterranean reef, offering a memorable underwater adventure.

Dive site facts: Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck

Depth

25–40 m

Typical dive

30-40m, 40-50 min (for advanced divers)

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

15–25 m (up to 40 m in peak)

Water temperature

16–28°C

Entry

Boat / Tender

Level

Advanced Open Water (wreck), Open Water (canyon walls)

Dive type

Wreck, Reef, Wall

Region / port

Kaş, Antalya, Turkey

Coordinates

36.6347° N, 29.1049° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Dimitri Wreck can range from mild to strong, and are often unpredictable, requiring divers to be proficient in drift diving techniques. These currents can influence dive plans, occasionally becoming strong enough to warrant specific entry and exit strategies or even aborting a dive in extreme cases. Divers should be prepared for potential drift conditions and carry an SMB or reef hook as a standard safety measure. Surface intervals require careful monitoring for diver pickup due to potential drift. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, but can extend up to 40 meters in peak conditions, influenced by these currents. There are no specific thermocline details mentioned for this site, but general Kaş water temperatures are 16-28°C.

Marine life & sighting chances

Puffer fish

common

Grouper

common

Lionfish

common

Loggerhead Turtle

occasional

Dentex

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Amberjack

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Dimitri Wreck typically begins with a boat entry directly over the site, which is located in a narrow strait between two islands, about 20 minutes from Kaş harbor. After a controlled descent, you will explore the steel coaster, which lies on a slope ranging from 25 to 40 meters. The dive often includes navigating around the wreck's hull and superstructure, observing the resident marine life, and potentially locating the nearby underwater memorial artwork. For those interested in topography, the dive can also incorporate the dramatic canyon walls that drop to 20 meters. Your turn point is determined by your gas consumption and no-decompression limits, necessitating diligent monitoring. The ascent is gradual, concluding with a safety stop at 5 meters for a minimum of three minutes. Due to the potential for currents, the dive boat will likely pick you up downstream of your ascent point, requiring careful surface signal use.

Underwater photography

Capturing the Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck effectively benefits from wide-angle lenses to encompass the freighter’s structure and the surrounding canyon walls. Given the wreck's depth range of 25 to 40 meters, external strobes are essential to restore lost color and detail, especially for the deeper sections. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up the silty bottom around the wreck and to maintain a respectful distance from any fragile elements. For macro photography enthusiasts, exploring the shallower parts of the wreck and the adjacent reef walls can reveal interesting smaller subjects, though the wreck itself is primarily a wide-angle opportunity. Consider the potential for strong currents which can make stable shots challenging; a reef hook might be useful for anchoring if permitted and appropriate.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Canyon Dive (Kaş)

  Often combined due to proximity and shared topography.

• Wreck Airbus A300 Plane

  Another popular wreck dive in the Kaş region.

• Kovanli Island

  A nearby island with potential dive sites.

Getting there & logistics

The Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck is primarily accessed via day boat trips departing from Kaş, a popular diving hub in Turkey. Kaş is situated in Antalya province, and the closest major international airport is Antalya Airport (AYT). From AYT, transfers to Kaş typically take a few hours. Dive trips to Dimitri usually last half a day, often combined with another nearby site like the Canyon. Liveaboards operating in the Turkish Mediterranean also include Dimitri Wreck on their itineraries, providing an opportunity for multiple dives over several days without returning to port. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving this particular site beyond standard dive center charges.

Safety & environment

Diving the Dimitri Wreck requires careful attention to safety protocols due to its depth and potential for strong, unpredictable currents. All divers should ensure they are appropriately certified for the depth and have experience with drift diving. Carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB) and potentially a reef hook is highly recommended. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering medical emergencies and evacuation, is essential, as the nearest recompression chamber may not be immediately accessible. Evacuation from the site would typically involve boat transfer back to Kaş, followed by road transport to a medical facility. Always dive with a reputable local operator who is familiar with the site's conditions and adhere strictly to your dive guide's instructions. Pleasure boats operate in the area, so remain vigilant, especially during ascent and at the surface.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Dimitri (Cotton) Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okyanus JD

Turkey

12 guests24 m

$157/day