Île d'Oléron & the Pertuis d'Antioche · France · Wreck
Le Recoin
Blue lobsters under the hull plates of an old steamer
A steamer close to 100 m long resting at 25 m near the Pointe de Chassiron, the northern tip of Oléron. With its massive boilers and deck winches still visible, it is one of the main offshore wrecks of the island and a regular dive for Level 2 divers out of La Cotinière.
Also known as Recoin.
Where it is and how deep
46.0467° N, 1.4103° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Dives are timed for slack water, when the tidal stream over the wreck eases. On the bottom, the stern castle is the landmark to orient by, and the remains of the engine lead the way along the hull. Large conger eels hide in the gaps of the wreck, and blue lobsters sit under the loose plates.
The wreck
- Vessel
- Recoin
- Type
- Steamer
- Length
- 100 m (328 ft)
- Cause
- Cause of sinking unknown
- Lies
- On the seabed at 25 m near the Pointe de Chassiron
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Fair |
Season follows Île d'Oléron & the Pertuis d'Antioche: The season runs from spring to autumn; summer brings the warmest water, while spring often gives the better visibility.
Dive videos
Epave Le Recoin 22/08/2015 Ile d'Oléron · Franck DX on YouTube
Questions divers ask
When is Le Recoin dived?+
At slack water. The wreck lies in a tidal strait off the northern tip of Oléron, and boats time the dive for the turn of the tide.
Sources
- Carte des épaves d'Oléron — Oléron Plongée
- Sites plongée Oléron — Oléron Plongée
- L'épave du Recoin au large de l'île d'Oléron — Amar Guillen
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