Minnetonka shipwreck discovered off the coast of Sicily

The shipwreck of the British transatlantic liner Minnetonka has been discovered in the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of 120 meters. The wreck was located approximately 23 miles south of Portopalo di Capo Passero in the Malta Channel by underwater explorer Fabio Portella and diving partner Cristiano Rosa.

Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast and launched in 1901, the 183-meter vessel served the London-New York route and famously hosted author Mark Twain in 1907. During World War I, the ship was requisitioned by the British Admiralty as an armed auxiliary transport. It was torpedoed and sunk on January 30, 1918, while traveling from Port Said to Marseille.

The shipwreck remains in a good overall condition, resting on a muddy seabed in a perfect navigational position with its bow facing west. Notable features identified include a nearly 30-meter mast with a crow's nest and bell, though the section near the stern shows signs of damage.