Capua Wreck

This dive site presents the wreck of the Capua, a cargo ship that sank in 1943 during World War II. The wreck lies on a sandy bottom approximately 38 meters deep off the coast of Mazzo di Sciacca, within the Zingaro reserve area near Trapani, Sicily. The ship, a relatively small vessel with a tonnage of 400 tons and dimensions of around 45 meters in length and under 8 meters in width, was built at Wood Skinner & Co. shipyard in Newcastle, UK, during the early part of the 20th century. It served as support for Italian troops during the conflict, not as a combat unit. The vessel’s sinking occurred due to a fire, resulting in a violent explosion and the loss of all crew members, including the commander. While the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain – speculation ranges from crew fatigue to possible action by a British submarine – it adds an element of mystery to the dive experience. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into wartime history and naval operations. Visibility around the wreck is likely variable, dependent on conditions.