A 61-year-old British diver has died following an incident at the famous MS Zenobia shipwreck off Larnaca, Cyprus, on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
The experienced diver was found unconscious underwater during a group dive at the wreck, one of the Mediterranean’s best-known diving attractions. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead after being transported to Larnaca General Hospital.
Emergency Response at the Zenobia Wreck
According to the Larnaca Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), emergency services received an alert at approximately 10:10 a.m. reporting an unconscious diver in the waters surrounding the Zenobia shipwreck in Larnaca Bay.
The authorities immediately activated the Nearchos national search and rescue plan, deploying a Port and Marine Police speedboat alongside an ambulance from Cyprus’ State Health Services Organisation.
The diver was transferred to the police vessel and subsequently handed over to ambulance personnel. He was transported to Larnaca General Hospital, where his death was confirmed.
Experienced Diver Had Been Taking Photographs
Further details emerged on Wednesday, 11 November, following comments from Nikos Nikolaou, president of the Cyprus Dive Centres Association.
Speaking to Philenews, Nikolaou explained that the British visitor had approximately 30 years of diving experience and had been taking underwater photographs shortly before the incident.
The diver was reportedly exploring the wreck with a group whose members had been swimming within several metres of one another.
When the others realised he was no longer visible, they returned to the area where he had last been seen and discovered him motionless on the seabed at a slightly greater depth.
Earlier local reporting indicated that the diver was found at a depth of approximately 30 metres.
The group brought him to the surface and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) aboard their boat. Emergency personnel continued resuscitation efforts following the arrival of the Port and Marine Police.
Local reports also indicate that the incident occurred on the man’s birthday.
Cause of Death Remains Unconfirmed
The circumstances that caused the diver to lose consciousness have not been established.
Nikolaou indicated that a sudden medical episode was among the possibilities, but emphasised that there was insufficient information to determine what had happened.
The diver had reportedly completed the customary pre-dive medical declaration without identifying any existing health problems.
There has been no confirmed finding establishing whether the incident resulted from a medical emergency, an equipment-related problem or another cause.
Second Reported Fatality at Zenobia in 2026
The latest incident follows another fatal diving incident near the Zenobia earlier this year.
On 7 March 2026, a Greek Cypriot diver died following an emergency at the same wreck site, according to local reporting from Kathimerini Cyprus.
The site was also associated with a fatal incident involving a British diver in March 2014.
Although these incidents have attracted attention, they should not be taken as evidence of a common cause or a specific safety problem at the wreck. Each incident must be considered according to its individual circumstances and the findings of the relevant authorities.
One of the Mediterranean’s Most Famous Wreck Dives
The MS Zenobia was a Swedish-built roll-on/roll-off ferry that sank off Larnaca in June 1980 during its maiden voyage.
The vessel, approximately 172 metres long, was carrying more than 100 trucks when it sank. Today, the ship lies on its port side around 1.5 kilometres offshore, with sections of the wreck beginning at approximately 16 metres and the seabed reaching around 42 metres.
The Zenobia has become one of Cyprus’ most important diving attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its vast structure, vehicle cargo and surrounding marine life.
Its substantial size and varying depths provide opportunities for different types of wreck exploration, although deeper sections and penetration dives require appropriate training, equipment and experience.
The wreck remains an important destination for Cyprus’ recreational and technical diving communities.
Further Information Awaited
The identity of the British diver has not been publicly confirmed in the reports reviewed.
The cause of death remains undetermined, and any further conclusions will depend on information released by the investigating authorities.
The Scuba News will continue monitoring developments.
Our thoughts are with the diver’s family, friends and those involved in the emergency response.
