Guarapari · Brazil · Wreck · Artificial reef
Victory 8B
A cargo ship sunk as an artificial reef in 2003, from 18 to 36 m
The Victory 8B is a Greek cargo ship sunk on 3 July 2003 as an artificial reef between the Ilhas Rasas and Ilha Escalvada. The wreck lies from 18 to 36 m, with moderate current and shoals concentrated around the top of the superstructure, and it is recommended for experienced advanced and technical divers.
Also known as Naufrágio Victory 8B.
Where it is and how deep
20.6905° S, 40.3909° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The boat runs 6 nautical miles from Guarapari to the wreck, which lies between the Ilhas Rasas and Ilha Escalvada. On the descent, the first signs of the ship appear at about 20 m, and the shallowest parts of the structure sit at 18 m. Current over the wreck is moderate, and visibility varies widely, from 2 m on poor days to 20 m on good ones.
Cotinga, scad, sardines and Atlantic spadefish gather most thickly around the top of the superstructure, joined by angelfish and wrasses. Below them the hull runs down to the sand, which lies at 35 to 36 m. Extended dives through the holds, from stern to bow and back on nitrox with larger cylinders, can turn up groupers. The best months are November to April.
The wreck
- Vessel
- Victory 8B
- Type
- Cargo ship
- Length
- 89.77 m (295 ft)
- Sunk
- 2003
- Cause
- Sunk deliberately as an artificial reef
- Lies
- Between 18 and 36 m, between the Ilhas Rasas and Ilha Escalvada
The Victory 8B was a Greek cargo ship seized in Espírito Santo over unpaid taxes and fines and later abandoned by its crew. The state government took it on through its artificial marine reef project, and after the impact studies and the cleaning required at the time, the ship was sunk on 3 July 2003 between the Ilhas Rasas and Ilha Escalvada.
Marine life and season
- Reef fish swarms
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Prime |
Season follows Guarapari: Diving runs all year; November to May is the best time at Ilha Escalvada and the Ilhas Rasas, and December to April at Três Ilhas.
Know before you go
- The wreck reaches 36 m, a deep dive recommended for experienced advanced and technical divers.
- Visibility can drop to 2 m, and the current over the wreck is moderate.
Dive videos
Naufrágio Victory 8B - Parte 1 · Brasil Mergulho on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is the Victory 8B wreck?+
The Victory 8B runs from 18 m at its shallowest to sand at 35 to 36 m, with the first signs of the ship at about 20 m.
When was the Victory 8B sunk?+
The Victory 8B was sunk as an artificial reef on 3 July 2003, between the Ilhas Rasas and Ilha Escalvada off Guarapari.
Sources
- Naufrágio Victory 8B – Acqua Sub — Acqua Sub Mergulhos
- Pontos de Mergulho (Wayback copy) — Atlantes Viagens e Mergulho
- Naufragio Victory 8B – Scubago — Scubago
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