Kea Island, Cyclades dive sites

No. The Britannic lies at 120 metres depth, far beyond recreational diving limits. Only qualified technical divers with trimix certification, deep wreck experience, and expedition-level planning can access the site. Dives require multiple gas switches, lengthy decompression schedules, and specialised equipment. Additionally, a permit from the Greek Ministry of Culture is required as the wreck is a protected cultural heritage site.

The Britannic was the third and largest of the White Star Line's Olympic-class ocean liners, sister ships to Titanic and Olympic. She was launched in 1914 but never entered commercial service due to the outbreak of World War One. Requisitioned as a hospital ship, she struck a mine on 21 November 1916 in the Kea Channel while en route to collect wounded soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign. She sank in 55 minutes with the loss of 30 lives, far fewer than Titanic due to improved safety measures.

The wreck was located by Jacques Cousteau in 1975 using his research vessel Calypso. Since then, several diving expeditions have explored the site, most notably those led by diver and historian Carl Spencer in the 2000s and 2010s. The wreck lies on her starboard side in remarkably good condition compared to the Titanic, as the Aegean Sea's warmer, less corrosive waters have preserved much of the hull structure.