UPY 2025

UPY  Wrecks - Highly Comended
'The huge tanker'
Alex Dawson

MT Haven is the largest wreck that has ever sunk in Europe with its 233,690 Dead Weight Tonnage. She caught fire after an explosion when she was pumping oil from the side holds to the center hold. The flames reached over 100m high and there was a devastating oil leak from the hull. To minimize the area of damage they towed the ship closer to shore and the bow came off at 450m depth. The rest of the ship was burning for 3 full days before she sunk at the depth of 80m. Deep enough to have clearance for other cargo ships with 25m draft to enter the Genoa harbor. The wreck starts at 30m and the deck starts around 55-60m and the propeller is at around 75-80m depth. She was 53m wide and 335m long before the bow came off. Can you spot the diver?

Judge's comment: A striking and huge composition that just gets better and better the bigger you view it. The feeling of exploration is palpable, a real favourite of mine in the category. - Alex Mustard