SMS Markgraf (Wreck)

 shipwreck, invisible

 Upload a photo

Type: Battleship - Koenig class

Commission: Ordered in August 1911 the Markgraf was built in the Weser Yard in Bremen. She was launched on 4th June 1913 and completed on 1st Oct 1914. Markgraf means Marquis.
History: The Markgraf was part of the 3rd Battleship Squadron. She saw action at Jutland, being hit many times in her vanguard position by the British Queen Elizabeth battleships. Her captain was shot by British marines during the great scuttle and his grave can be seen in the Lyness naval cemetery. She sank around 4.30pm on 21st June 1919.
Diving: The Markgraf lies on her port side at 58.53.31 : 3.09.55. The seabed is around 45 metres, with a least depth of around 24 metres. This is the deepest German battleship. Like all the battleships she is virtually upside down so to get underneath her means getting to the gunwales at around 38 metres. Depending on the shot position, the diver lands on the upturned hull and looks over the side into 20 metres of gloom and darkness. It is important to ensure that you are on the right side! Off you go, skydiving down the side of the hull. If the shot is amidships then you should see the 6 inch guns pointing out as you approach the gunwales at 38 metres. This gives a useful reference point as the direction that the guns are pointing will show you where you are on the wreck. Amidships, the gun barrels point out 90 degrees to the hull, whereas towards the bows the guns point towards the bows. So you can hang in the water above the gun barrels and navigate yourself accordingly. Below you it is dark as the decks run sharply under the hull.

As you descend towards the unseen sea bed at around 45 metres the underneath of the wreck reveals itself as a dark, imposing cave. Your torch beam just seems to go nowhere. To venture into this cave takes previous dive planning and some courage. But once inside it's not so bad. You can see the green of the outside as the bulk of the 25000 ton ship lies above you. It is possible to swim underneath most of the wreck. Just follow the coal brick road. In the middle you will come across part of the midships crane. One diver goes above and the other underneath. Somewhere in the darkness of the cave lies one of the 12 inch gun turrets, but it takes adventurous diving to find it.

There are 2 enormous rudders on the stern that are worth visiting. The hull is largely intact and well fitted with thick slabs of armour plating, some of which have peeled away. Some blasting damage can be seen near the bows. The bows themselves tip over sharply into the darkness.

The Markgraf is an exciting and challenging dive. Its depth and position are such that good dive planning is essential. The sea bed is dark and silty and so on a dull day this wreck can be gloomy and quite intimidating. It is a cleaner wreck than the other battleships with less obvious damage done by salvage work.