Mohawk Deer

A Historic Dive into the Past

The Mohawk Deer was a Canadian merchant ship that met its fate off the coast of Cala degli Inglesi on November 6, 1967. Initially en route from Genoa to La Spezia for scrapping, the vessel was being towed by a tugboat when a sudden storm caused the tow cable to snap. With no control, the ship drifted into the rocky coastline of the Portofino Promontory, where it sank and became an iconic wreck site.

After the 2018 storm, the wreck underwent significant structural changes, with the bow collapsing in on itself, the winch sustaining damage, and the HALL anchor partially embedded inside the hull. Today, the Mohawk Deer serves as an underwater time capsule, offering divers an extraordinary blend of marine life and historical significance.

🔴 RED ROUTE (Up to -40m)

Descent and exploration:

  • After a pre-dive and bubble check, descend to -22 meters, where the wreck’s silhouette begins to emerge.
  • Keeping the wall on the right, swim toward the collapsed bow, where the deformed winch wheels can be observed—one of which has completely detached from its mount.
  • Move outside the wreck to locate the massive HALL anchor, a signature element of large vessels.
  • At -25 meters, enter the starboard hold, a large, open section allowing for easy and safe penetration.
  • Descend further to -40 meters, exiting the hold to explore the starboard side, where sponges and red gorgonians thrive.
  • At -30 meters, leave the main wreck to reach the detached control cabin section, now resting between -25m and -30m. The seabed is covered with debris, creating hiding spots for moray eels, conger eels, and groupers.

Return journey:

  • Begin ascent towards the plateau at -14 meters, where a triangular winch structure serves as a notable waypoint.
  • Follow the left wall at -12 meters, keeping an eye out for the giant wrench, a peculiar relic among the rocks.
  • As you approach the buoy, a massive boulder signals the nearing end of the dive. Before surfacing, a short passage at -10m offers a final scenic moment before completing the dive.

🟢 GREEN ROUTE (Up to -18m)

Descent and exploration:

  • After the pre-dive check, descend along the chain to -18 meters, where the wreck’s outline comes into view.
  • Keeping the wall on the right, swim around the collapsed bow and observe the damaged winch, whose wheels are now misaligned.
  • Move outside the wreck to see the imposing HALL anchor, a hallmark of large vessels.

Return journey:

  • Leaving the wreck behind, continue along the left wall where scattered wreck debris has become home to groupers, moray eels, and conger eels.
  • At -14 meters, find the remains of a triangular winch structure before beginning the return.
  • Following the right-side wall at -12 meters, locate the large wrench resting among the rocks.
  • A massive boulder marks the final leg of the dive. Before surfacing, divers can pass through a narrow canyon-like passage at -10 meters, leading back to the left wall and concluding the experience.

Dive the Mohawk Deer with Diving Group Portofino

  • Location: Portofino Marine Protected Area
  • Access: Boat dive
  • Best Conditions: Good visibility, minimal currents
  • Depth: 18m (Green Route) | 40m (Red Route)
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Ready to dive into history? Book your Mohawk Deer dive today!