Avantis III was a cargo ship built in 1977 at Tronderverftet shipyard, Hommelvik, Norway. She was 80 meters long and 13 meters wide with a total capacity of 2,362 tons. Originally the ship was called “Akershus” and was renamed “Avantis III” in 1982 when she was purchased by the company of Antonis Agrafiotis.

The ship, loaded with building materials and a motorcycle, had sailed from Messolonghi with a final destination of Cyprus. On November 19, 2004 at 3:45 a.m., the “Avantis III” hit Dorousa Island, in good weather conditions, subsequently after taking on water she sank at its current position. Of the 12 crew members (10 Greeks and two foreigners), 11 managed to board the ship’s liferaft and save themselves, while the 35-year-old ship’s cook, Vassilis Koronis unfortunately lost his life.

The wreck is located at a depth of 17 to 48 meters and faces a North to South axis, resting on the bottom with her port side at an angle of 90 degrees. The propeller is in place at a depth of 41 meters while her stern crane has rested on the seabed. The engine room area is accessible from this point, while the ship’s holds are accessible from both sides and allow a fairly large penetration. Exploration of this wreck must be done with great care as parts of the ship have begun to wear down  causing pieces to fall from the ceilings of the enclosed spaces usually triggered jfrom the divers bubbles .

In one hold there is a large part of the cargo of Avantis III, while outside the second is the varadero type motorcycle. Exploring the interior of the hold we notice the ripple caused by the impact on the rocks, which is responsible for her sinking. The bridge area of ​​the ship is in very good condition, all the instruments of the ship, the radio, the radar are in place.

Furthering the exploration to the rest of the wreck, we notice the right anchor of the ship in its place, while the name of the ship is clearly visible in the area of ​​the bow. The wreck has begun to function as an artificial reef gathering large amounts of marine life, creating a wonderful sight to visiting divers.