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HMS Perseus is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Zakynthos, Kefalonia Island, Greece. The maximum depth is over 150ft/46m. The average visibility is 36-40ft/11-12m.

In 1941 in the Ionian Sea, the 2,000 ton British "Partheon" class submarine HMS Perseus was sunk by an enemy mine while on patrol at periscope depth. All 60 crew perished save one. That survivor was 31 year old John Capes. Before he escaped he took a swig of rum from a bottle upon entering the escape chamber.

John Capes` story of his deep escape and survival in enemy occupied Greece was not believed by many until Greek divers in 1996 discovered the wreck of the Perseus; 170 feet down and sitting almost upright on the sea bed.........and they found his rum bottle.

Upon escape he swam to Cephalonia and was looked after by the local Resistance for 18 months until he could get to Turkey. John Capes died in the mid 1980`s, the sea never did claim him!

The top dive off Kefalonia Island, this intact and upright submarine hit a mine and sank in 1941. Now, the artificial reef hosts a number of jacks, wrasse, sea bass and groupers. The conning tower is a great photo opportunity.

YouTube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhNhwvUWg38

Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Perseus_(N36)

The escape story http://www.divernetxtra.com/wrecks/perse898.htm

More info http://greece.greatestdivesites.com/ionian_islands/kefalonia/hms_perseus

More info http://goinggreek.info/perseus.html

More info http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15959067

More w/photos http://www.cyber-heritage.co.uk/thetis/sub.htm

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