The HMS Perseus was a World War II Submarine that sank between Kefalonia and Zakynthos in 1941.
| Name Dive Site: | HMS Perseus |
| Depth: | 34-52m (111-170ft) |
| Inserted/Added by: | diveinkefalonia |
| Rated: | Rated 5.0, 1 votes |
| Specifications: |   |
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The 2040 ton wreck of the HMS Perseus submarine is still totally intact lying almost perfectly upright in open water between Kefalonia and Zakynthos on a flatbed of sand. You can explore the deck, conning tower and open hatches in depths between 52 meters and 34 meters. The wreck has now become an artificial reef, with many species of fish making it their home, including Groupers, Sea Bass, Amberjacks, Barracuda, Parrotfish and Wrasse. In fact the marine life on the wreck is unique, and the dive site is currently rated the top wreck dive in Kefalonia. The Perseus Wreck dive is an absolute must for all serious divers visiting Kefalonia.
On the night of 6th of December, 1941, HMS Perseus was patrolling the surface between Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Suddenly at 22.00 hours there was a tremendous explosion. The submarine had hit an Italian mine. From the crack that we can now see on the port fore side and the opened hatch of the conning tower, tons of water would have quickly surged into the vessel. Seconds later the submarine nose-dived with sixty men aboard and came to rest on the sea bed at a depth of 52 meters. John Capes was the only one who survived after a thrilling 50 meter ascent. He was found the next day unconsciousness on the nearby island and the locals treated their wounds and hid him from the Axis forces for 18 month. On May 1943 he finally escaped to Turkey with a lot of help of locals. A heroic tale remembered when diving one of the best wrecks in Greece.
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