Advice for diving CMC Mavna (Xero Wreck) in Cyprus

This site is known by the name of CMC Mavna or Xero Wreck. Mavna simply means barge. This specific craft is used for loading copper ore from Cyprus Mines Corporation (CMC) docks to and transporting them to relatively deep waters where ore was loaded onto the cargo ship. During active years of CMC area of operations was known as Xero, it’s a small costal village in North Cyprus where known as Gemikonagi.

Although you can do a beach entry for this site, its advice to use a boat entry due to swells. Westerly wind is nearly always present at this location; a morning dive is advisable since the wind is much weaker in the mornings.

The wreck lies about 15-17 meters and it intact; anchor chain is still connected to the barge from northern (stern) side. Its simply a hollow barge, where you can see the main deck and cargo deck. Main deck is relatively small, and it has 2 openings one at aft and one at the bow. No penetration is advised to these 2 small openings.

Usually the visibility is over 20 meters at this site and the current is minimal. Some fish nets might be present to caution is required, area is known for being a hot spot for fisherman so a surface float is a must!

There are several different kinds of fish living in or vicinity of the wreck, in some late summer seasons it’s possible to see Jack’s hunting around the wreck.

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