History

History of the Tuzla Steamboat

Built in 1885 by Barclay, Curle & Co. at Clydeholm, the Tuzla Steamboat was a paddle steamer that transported ammunition and provisions to the Gallipoli Front. Formerly named the Worthing Belle, the steamboat was purchased in 1913 by the Şirket-i Hayriye company to be used for passenger transportation, and her name was changed to "Tuzla." The vessel measures 65 x 5 meters and weighs 193 tons.

Serving as the main supply base throughout the battles on the Gallipoli Front, Akbaş Port welcomed ships arriving from the Sea of Marmara. Ammunition and provisions from the vessels anchoring here were transported from the port to the front lines. Wounded soldiers coming from the front were also sent from this pier via ships to hospitals established in Istanbul. Having loaded her cargo from Akbaş Port, the Tuzla Steamboat was torpedoed and sunk on August 30.

Dive Equipment Information

The equipment used for diving includes basic scuba gear. A 3-5mm wet neoprene wetsuit can be worn from April to October, while a 7mm wet neoprene, semi-dry, or drysuit is suitable from November to March.

Footage from the Shipwreck

Diving Points