Sunken hospital ship becomes thriving reef off Albania

In 1941, a torpedo struck the Italian hospital ship Po while it evacuated wounded soldiers from Vlora Bay, Albania, killing 23 people on board. More than eight decades later, researchers discovered the shipwreck is now a vibrant ecosystem.

The Po sank quickly after being hit by a British aircraft, and despite being a wartime target, it had its lights off to avoid attention.

Divers first located the wreck in 2005, and from 2022 to 2024, a team of scientists studied the site using sonar and photography. The researchers identified 151 marine species living on and around the Po, demonstrating the ship’s transformation into an artificial reef. Sponges, mussels, and algae now cover much of the vessel, providing habitat for fish, squid, and even a rare Mediterranean monk seal, a vulnerable species with only an estimated 444 to 600 mature individuals remaining.

This sighting in Vlora Bay marked the first observation of the seals there since 1996. However, scientists also noted the presence of invasive devil firefish, a species expanding its range northward due to climate change. They believe artificial reefs like the Po may unintentionally assist these invasive species by providing new habitats. Simone Modugno, a marine biologist, is now creating a 3D model of the Po to share the wreck with a wider audience and encourage conservation efforts.