Also known as: Cita, MV John Wulff
When gale-force winds drove the Cita onto Newfoundland Point in March 1997, Scillonians found their beaches littered with everything from tobacco to computer parts, sparking a modern-day 'wrecking' sensation covered by national media. The ship herself split and settled into two distinct sections that now offer remarkably different dives. The bow section starts at just 8 metres and descends to 27, making it accessible to intermediates, while the stern drops away to 40 metres for those wanting more of a challenge. Both sections retain substantial steel structure with genuine penetration routes through cargo holds and passageways. What elevates the Cita above many UK wrecks is its setting: Scilly's Atlantic-washed waters routinely deliver 20-30 metre visibility, transforming what would be a torchlit crawl elsewhere into a wide-angle spectacle. Only three dive charters operate in the islands, so forward planning is essential.
Ran aground on Newfoundland Point, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, in gale-force winds while en route Southampton to Belfast. Originally built as MV John Wulff.
MV Cita is a cargo vessel wreck located off Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom at a depth of 40 metres. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1997. The wreck is diveable.
MV Cita lies at 8 to 40 metres depth, Newfoundland Point, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly.
MV Cita ran aground on 26 March 1997, off Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
Diving the MV Cita is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: Open Water. Recommended: Advanced Open Water.
The best months to dive MV Cita are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 18°C in summer.
MV Cita is accessed by boat from Hugh Town, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.0°C | 8.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 9.5°C | 8.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 10.0°C | 9.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 11.0°C | 12.0m | marginal | Moderate — season opening |
| May | 13.0°C | 18.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, seals, spider crabs |
| Jun | 15.0°C | 22.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, seals, blue sharks offshore |
| Jul | 17.0°C | 28.0m | good | Peak — seals, blue sharks, sunfish, basking sharks |
| Aug | 18.0°C | 30.0m | good | Peak — seals, blue sharks, sunfish, basking sharks |
| Sep | 17.0°C | 22.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, seals, spider crabs |
| Oct | 14.0°C | 15.0m | marginal | Moderate — season closing |
| Nov | 11.5°C | 10.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 8.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
3 evidence records from 3 sources.
Bow section 8-27m; stern section 15-40m. Good penetration opportunities.
Ran aground on Newfoundland Point, St Mary's, 26 March 1997. General cargo vessel en route Southampton to Belfast.
Premier Scilly dive. Visibility often exceeds 30m. Only three dive charters operate in the islands.
Newfoundland Point, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly