Shipwreck of Agia Matrona Cargo Ship (former MAYA, former HAVIVA)
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Comercial poster of ZIM Israel Navigation Company Ltd, the first owner company of the ship. -
The Bow of AGIA MATRONA. -
The distinctive funnel on the mid section of the ship. -
The aft. The rudder on the left side stands out. -
The rudder and the propeller on the aft section. -
Video from the shipwreck Agia Matrona
On the 14th of July 2018, Antonis Grafas Diving team visited Skyros island on a two day project in order to film the wreck of Agia Matrona (former MAYA, former HAVIVA), that shank on the 8th of February 1983, near “Mesa Diavatis” islet, in Skyros. All dives where supported and guided by Vasilis Trakos, owner of the Gorgonia Diving Center. Agia Matrona was built In Israel Shipyard in Haifa Israel year 1966 with 1011 as a serial number. She was launched on the 20th of January 1966 and was concluded on August same year bearing the name HAVIVA, on the account of ZIM ZIM Israel Navigation Co Ltd in Haifa. The ship had the following characteristics:
Name: Agia Matrona
IMO Nr. : 6605565
Type: Cargo
First Flag: Israel
Last Flag: Greek
G.R.T: 2.023
Length (m): 84.3
Width (m): 12.6
Propellers: 1
Indicative Speed (knots): 12
In 1978 the ship was sold to Davenport, a Greek interest company, based in Piraeus and was renamed MAYA. In 1980 she was sold to Quanzel Maritime Incorporation an also Greek interest company and was renamed AGIA MATRONA. The autumn of 1982 AGIA MATRONA while traveling from Ashdod of Israel, anchored in Kalamitsa bay of Skyros for repairs. On the 6th of October, during repairs, a fire broke out in the engine bay and the Captain ordered evacuation of all personnel. The fire was put off after two days, with the aid of a tug boat, but the ship had already suffered critical damage so it was reported a complete loss and was granted to the insurance company. Five months later, on the 8th of February 1983, AGIA MATRONA sank due to severe weather conditions, whilst being towed, Close to Mesa Diavatis islet of Skyros and lies there to this day.
The wreck
The wreck of AGIA MATRONA lies on her left side on a sandy seabed and extends to a maximum depth of 60 meters up to a minimum of 30 meters. The bow – aft axes is NorthWest. The ship is in a relatively good condition and retains all of its basic building characteristics and technical accessories. One of the anchors, still remains on its place but the second is nowhere to be found. On the middle of the structure, divers can distinguish the funnel that stands out due to its unique shape, while on the aft the diver can see the rudder and the three blade propeller, which misses one of its blades.
Sources
Lloyds Register of Shipping
Ntounis Christos: Wrecks in Greek seas 1900-1950, Vol. Β΄, edit. Finatec, Athens 2001
www.zim.com