The "Giannis D" is now found in
three separate sections - Bows, Amidships and Stern lying
more or less parallel to the Reef. Whilst each of these will
provide the Diver with a most rewarding dive, most Divers
tend to head straight for the stern where they will find
a very dramatic and exciting structure.
Such is the power of nature to reduce a man-made object
to scrap metal, that the Stern looks as though it has been
cleanly cut from the remainder of the ship. Almost like an
island in the sand, this part of the wreck sits proudly all
by itself, listing to port at an angle of about 45 degrees.
The deepest part is the port companionway which is almost
resting on the seabed. Above this, a number of davits and
other fittings are found hanging out from the wreck. There
are Crown of Thorns Starfish here - so watch where you put
your hands. At 23-24m this is the deepest part of the wreck
and immediately above, parts of the superstructure reach
to within 4 metres of the surface.
On the starboard side, the Diver will find a ladder still
hanging down the side of the vessel. This was used by the
crew as they abandoned ship. Immediately below is the propeller
which is partially buried in the sand. Above and just in
front of the huge rounded stern is the starboard-side companionway
and stretching above this the Diver will find raised decks
and the Funnel (with the "D" clearly visible).
There is easy access to the engine room, which was never
salvaged, and offers a very exciting interlude for those
who prefer to venture deep inside.
The leading edge of this section is, of course, dominated
by the Bridge. This is a large, and relatively shallow, open "room" with
plenty of light and a number of entry and exit points providing
excellent conditions for those wishing to enter a wreck for
the very first time. Immediately in front of the bridge are
a number of cargo winches below a very large "A" Frame.
Travelling eastwards - parallel to the Reef which is over
to the right, the Diver will now pass over the remains of
No 2 Hold before arriving at the section that once separated
the two cargo holds. Part of a companionway is uppermost
with mast and booms having fallen across the seabed.
Continuing in the same direction, the Diver now passes over
the remains of No 1 Hold and a few well-rotted remnants of
the cargo of softwood before arriving at the Bows. These
are a completely separate dive and one that is often overlooked.
The Bows rest perfectly on their port side with the decks
facing away from the Reef. Once again, they look as though
they were separated from the remainder of the ship by an
acetylene torch. Being exactly on their side, however, means
that the forward main mast is found stretching out directly
above and parallel to the sand - seemingly defying all the
known laws of gravity. Many hard and soft corals have begun
to colonise this part of the wreck and numerous Reef Fishes
have crossed over from the adjacent Reef to set up home.
A very large Napoleon Wrasse is often encountered here.
On the foc’sle, the diver will find the windlass and
a number of cargo winches - all occupying their rightful
place. There is also a small entrance into the tight confines
of the forward anchor locker - but with so much chain still
inside, there is nothing to recommend the experience.
Overall the Giannis D is an excellent dive - and one that
is much enjoyed by every grade of Diver. Why she should have
suddenly veered from her course will probably never be known.
Thankfully, there were no casualties and, in this case, Shipping’s
loss is definitely Diving’s gain.
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