The "Avantis III" was a cargo ship, 80 meters long and with a capacity of 2,362 tons. It was built in 1977 in Norway (originally named "Akershus" before being renamed in 1982 after being purchased by Antonis Agrafiotis's company). The ship sank on the morning of November 19, 2004, within just 20 minutes after striking the rocks of Dorousa Island, despite favorable weather conditions. Tragically, the ship's 35-year-old cook, V. Koronis, lost his life. The ship was transporting construction materials from Mesolongi to Cyprus.
At the time, newspapers reported that this route was chosen to save on fuel, with headlines stating that "all this happened for 3 liters of diesel." Another rumor suggested that the captain was distracted, allegedly flirting with his mistress, which led to the collision despite the good weather.
The Wreck Today
The wreck lies on a north-south axis, resting on the seabed with its port side at a 90-degree angle. The maximum depth is 48 meters, with the shallowest part at 18 meters. The propeller and rudder are clearly visible, as well as the breach in the hull at the bow where it struck the reef. The wreck has begun to function as an artificial reef, attracting large amounts of marine life and creating a spectacular sight for visiting divers.
