Located just off Kefalonia, which is the site of archaeological findings that go back to at least 40,000 years ago, the HMS Perseus (N36) was a British Parthian Class submarine built in 1929. Lost during World War II, she was sailing from Malta to Alexandria to patrol the waters east of Greece when she struck an Italian mine about 7 miles north of Zakinthos in the Ionian Sea.
HMS Perseus: Facts and Features
John Capes, who was one of only four men who managed to escape the submarine as she sank to her final resting place 52 meters below the surface survived the initial ordeal, then had to swim five miles to Kefalonia, where islanders hid him for 18 months before he was smuggled out to Turkey and was ultimately awarded a British Empire Medal. The three others who escaped died from the rigors of the 50 meter ascent or sometime during the following swim toward safety, and the remaining 57 sailors remained trapped in the sub, according to Mr. Capes, who was the sole eyewitness and survivor.
The Perseus lay untouched until she was discovered and surveyed in 1997 by a dive team led by Kostas Thoctarides. It seems fitting that this underwater war grave is now bedecked with wreaths of beautiful coral and sponges; as you explore, you'll be amazed at the amount of life that has taken over this 79 meter submarine. Sitting almost perfectly upright, the Perseus still possesses her conning tower, and her decks are intact. Though hatches are open, penetration is not advised; remember, this site is to be respected as a final resting place and the interior is almost certainly filled with hazards such as loose wiring.
A portion of the wreck may be accessed at a depth of 34 meters, and as you make your way from one end to the other, you'll find yourself in the company of groupers and bream, barracuda, amberjack, parrotfish, wrasse, and countless crustaceans and invertebrates.
In addition to the open hatches, including the rear hatch where John Capes and his fellow sailors made their egress from the flooded submarine, leaving a rum bottle in their wake, you'll be able to see the massive crack in the hull which shows where the sub impacted the mine. In addition, you can get a clear view of the ship's helm, and see the massive gun still in place atop the sub's deck.
As you make your ascent to the boat, through 50 meters of brilliant blue water, you'll certainly find yourself wondering what the entire ordeal, from the initial blast, through the harrowing escape, must have been like for those few who managed to get out alive, and for that sole survivor who was found unconscious onshore the next day. Be sure to visit the memorial to HMS Perseus as you explore Kefalonia; it is located just outside of Poros. Much more than an outstanding example of a historic submarine and an incredible artificial reef, the HMS Perseus is a reminder of the frailty of human life and indeed, the fragility of all life on earth.