UJ2210 ex Marcella

The wreck known today as UJ 2210 – Crossover began her life as the Marcella, built in 1932 at the Saint-Nazaire shipyards in France. At the time, she was considered one of the most advanced and impressive fishing vessels in the world, designed for long-range missions with an autonomy of up to 140 days, and was frequently used for expeditions to Greenland.

In 1942, during the Second World War, the vessel was confiscated by the Kriegsmarine and converted into a submarine hunter. Integrated into the 22nd Flotilla, she was renamed UJ 2210 and would go on to serve a notable military career—including the sinking of the feared British submarine HMS Tigris, which had severely impacted the Italian fleet near Capri in February 1943.

Her service came to an end in May 1944. After sustaining damage from previous bombings by the British submarine HMS Sickle, she was finally sunk by MTB 419, a British motor torpedo boat, on the night of 27 May 1944. She was struck by the last torpedo onboard, sealing her fate.

Wreck Overview

• Original Name: Marcella

• Built: 1932 – Saint-Nazaire, France

• Military Designation: UJ 2210

• Length: Approx. 65 m

• Depth: Wreck rests at 65 m, bow rises to 45 m

• Orientation: Bow broken and pointing upwards

The wreck now lies off the coast of Framura, resting at around 65 metres. The bow section is broken but dramatically rises toward the surface, making it a striking image for underwater photographers.

Dive Highlights

Descending along the wreck, divers are greeted by Hall-type anchors, still attached near the bow. At around 55 metres, where the ship broke apart, a dramatic passage opens up. Here, you’ll find a single-barrelled deck gun still in place, along with a shell rack—a chilling reminder of the ship’s wartime purpose.

Nearby on the seabed, the spare propeller, detached during salvage efforts, has been resting undisturbed since 2010.

The three aft decks remain accessible, with open hatches offering external inspection, though entry into the helm station is not advised due to its cramped layout and the unusual tilt of the hull, which can cause disorientation.

Toward the stern, you’ll reach the funnel, which once supported a turret-mounted machine gun. The final section of the stern is partially buried in silt but remains photogenic and atmospheric.

The wreck is rich in marine life—macro photographers will love the sheer variety of nudibranchs, while the collapsed sections of the hull provide hiding spots for large lobsters and conger eels.

At the stern, vibrant gorgonians (Leptogorgia sarmentosa) sway gently in the current, while white gorgonians (Eunicella verrucosa) grow beside the depth charges that still lie scattered in the muddy seabed.

This wreck offers a powerful blend of history and marine biodiversity, making it one of the most emotionally impactful and visually stunning dives in the region.