The Paris II Wreck - History and Beauty Beneath the Surface
Just a 7-minute boat ride from Kemer Yacht Harbour lies one of the region’s most iconic and best-known dive sites among international divers: the Paris II wreck. Resting on a sandy seabed at a depth of 21 to 31 metres, this site offers not only a captivating dive but a powerful story etched into history.
Originally constructed as a fishing vessel, the Paris II was later converted into a military ship. Measuring 65 metres in length and 14 metres in width, the ship was sunk in September 1917 by artillery fire from a small Turkish battalion positioned on Koca Burun Hill, led by Artillery Lieutenant Mustafa Ertuğrul Aker.
Despite the wartime circumstances, what followed was an extraordinary act of humanity. After the ship sank, 25 Turkish soldiers rushed to the aid of the French crew, bringing them ashore, offering their own dry clothes, scarce food supplies, and heartfelt hospitality. A deep bond was formed between the young Turkish lieutenant and the French ship’s captain, Major Ronnin. As a token of their friendship, Ronnin gifted his dog to Ertuğrul before returning to France - later reporting the encounter to his superiors with praise. This powerful story, confirmed by recent documentation, adds a deeply emotional layer to the site - worthy of a novel.
Today, the Paris II appears almost suspended in the water, glowing with filtered sunlight that reflects off its corals and sponges, creating a stunning visual display. A large steam boiler remains prominently in place, surrounded by scattered coal briquettes and countless shells. The wreck has become home to an abundance of marine life, including moray eels, black scorpionfish, crayfish, and dusky groupers.
Recognized as one of the 50 best dive sites in the world, the Paris II wreck is a must-see for certified and experienced divers - where history, nature, and underwater wonder all converge.