Le Donator Wreck Dive - DEEP DREAM

VIDEO CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction
00:28 - Down to the bottom
00:46 - Ship's helm wheel
01:09 - Live on wreck deck
03:12 - Chimney exhaust
04:49 - On Port side to the Stern
05:28 - Rudder with big propeller
05:56 - On Starboard side to the Bow
07:28 - Inside the ship
09:07 - Return to the deck
11:41 - Back to the surface
12:13 - Hungry Baracudas
12:49 - SMB deployment
13:22 - End of story


ABOUT LE DONATOR

The Donator is a cargo ship with a length of 78 meters and a width of 12 meters. It was built in 1931 at the Holz Worksted A-S shipyard in Bergen, Norway. Powered by an 1800 horsepower engine was possible to reach a top speed of 14 knots.

In 1933, the ship was sold to the Compagnie Générale d'Armement Maritime and given a name, Petite Terre. The ship was mainly used for transporting goods between France and the West Indies. In 1939, it became part of the fleet of 20 ships owned by the Compagnie Schiaffino, and a new name was given to her: Prosper Schiaffino - Le Donator. During the Second World War the Sciaffino company lost 19 ships to torpedoes and bombing. In September 1945, at the end of the war, Donator was the only company s ship that continued its commercial activities conducting transports in the Mediterranean.

On November 10, 1945, the ship was on return from Algeria with a cargo of wine. Captain Baillet, commanding the Le Donator, increased vigilance as there were still many floating mines in the Mediterranean. The ship circumnavigated the island of Porquerolles to the south. The sea was rough, with a strong Mistral wind. At 13:10, the Donator struck on an underwater mine, causing a massive explosion. A large opening appeared in the ship's hull, the stern rose, and water began rushing in through the breach. The crew had no time to lower rescue boats as the situation worsened rapidly in seconds, so the men jumped into the water. Luckily, a British Royal Air Force (RAF) plane which flew over the area, witnessed the tragedy, and immediately sounded the alarm. Rescue boats arrived to the desaster site four hours later.Twenty-seven men were rescued from the crew, but unfortunately, two of the 29 sailors on board were missing. The Schiaffino company never recovered from the loss and closed its operations.

The Donator wreck is now an underwater attraction, drawing experienced divers from all over Europe. This large, well-preserved wreck lies as it would be sailing upright with a keel buried in a sandy see-bottom. The stern is at a depth of 51 meters, and the bow is at a depth of 48 meters. You get a broad overall view of the wreckage at approximately 25 meters when descending towards it. The ship's mast collapsed to the port side of the ship.

For a detailed exploration of the ship, it is recommended to make multiple dives. The stern is well-preserved, and at a depth of 51 meters, the rudder and ship's propeller are clearly visible. The rear hold contained tanks that were likely filled with wine at the time of the tragic crossing. The engine room is located at a depth of 44 meters. On both sides of the Donator's deck, davits point straight up towards the surface. Inside the ship's hull, you can access a small kitchen with stoves. On the right side of the deck, there is an entrance to the middle compartment. From the cargo area towards the bow, you can reach the crew quarters with a bathtub and toilet bowl. Depending on your diving license, it is possible to enter the front compartment. In the dim light, looking outward from the wreckage, you get a stunning view of the blue surroundings towards the sea surface. The area where the Donator sank is mostly characterized by strong currents, making the dive to this wreck declared as highly challenging. The minimum required license for this dive is CMAS P3.


Video production by Magic Finger

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