They were part of a squadron of minesweepers with a length of 44 m and a beam of 8 m, called the “Nalón” type, delivered to Spain by the American Navy. They were built entirely of wood with the magnetic elements installed on board reduced to a minimum, in an attempt to reduce the magnetic footprint of the units as much as possible. The engines were built of stainless steel and non-magnetic alloys. They had a castle that reaches almost to midships, with the anchors housed at the bow end so that they are not visible from the outside.
They were also used as surveillance patrol boats from the 80s before being decommissioned by the Spanish Navy on May 15, 1993. Finally, these two minesweepers were intentionally sunk by the Navy on August 2, 1999 to create an artificial reef.
They are located off the coast of La Manga at a depth of between 27 and 33 meters between the Cabo de Palos Reserve and Isla Grosa. Unfortunately, the passage of time has rotted the wood and the strong storms have meant that the Turia has practically disappeared and the Ulla is split in two.
To dive here: For your health and safety, it is important that you do this dive without being tired or in poor physical shape. The use of your own dive computer is mandatory. Gloves, a flashlight, and a knife are recommended. Proven experience in drift dives is essential for performing safety stops without a line and without fixed references.
Certification: Experienced Advanced Diver, TEC45 recommended
