Shipwreck scuba diving in Kythnos

Niki Shipwreck

It was one of the 2nd World War days when the little cargo ship, Greek-flagged, Niki or "Victory" in English, sailed from Piraeus to carry essential supplies and food to the Allies in the Middle East.

While sailing off Kythnos Island southeast, it was attacked by German planes.

The captain turned his small boat to Kythnos in order to avoid the attack, but also to be closer to the shore, but the resistance and maneuvers didn't last long, so the ship began to burn and sink slowly.

To save the crew and possibly the cargo, the captain took his mind to turn to Agios Stefanos bay of Kythnos and took the boat in the shallows.

There are no details about the fate of the crew, but there is sufficient information on the vessel.

The ship sank a few meters from the shore. The load was food and sacks of flour, so soon people from the island gained an unexpected, free, food source.

The time was really tough and everything was valuable. For this reason, the abandoned ship was soon stripped of anything that would be useful and even the wooden deck became firewood.

Over the years, the half-sunk ship disappeared from the surface and the constant motion of the sea carried it to its final and present position.

At this time the remains of NIKI that can be seen are the sides of the hull and the bow section. At the rear, where the cabins were, you will find the rudder and propeller at the stern.

Diving the NIKI is a unique experience for everyone. Beginners and experienced divers can all dive in this shipwreck.

Allow yourself to relax in the Aegean Sea and travel back to history. Navigate the small shipwreck of the 2nd World War, the NIKI cargo ship.

The shallow depth makes it easily accessible to every level of experience. Even people with no previous experience can scuba dive in this shipwreck after following a short theoretical and practical course.

The experienced instructors of the Aqua team will always be with you ensuring comfort, safety, and enjoyment.

The water is bright and clear with great visibility and many small fish around. The underwater tour is around the ship: first, you will explore the bow and head towards the stern where there is a possibility of short penetration. Finally, you will explore the propeller and the rudder, then you will swim along the hull to the right side of the ship to move in a lovely classic anchor of English Admiralty type and then say goodbye to the wreck and head to the coast.

During the dive photos will be taken, so you can receive numerous photographs and a beautiful video from your activity.

At the end, you will receive a certificate for this Historical Diving!