The MS Mikhail Lermontov was an ocean liner owned by the Soviet Union’s Baltic Shipping Company, built in 1972 by V.E.B. Mathias-Thesen Werft, Wismar, East Germany. It was later converted into a cruise ship. On 16 February 1986 it struck rocks near Port Gore in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, and sank, killing one crew member. With the loss of only one life, the USSR’s most luxurious cruise liner became one of the largest and most accessible diving wrecks of the modern era.

The Mikhail Lermontov is 155 metres or 578 feet in length and 23.6 metres or 77 feet wide. In its day it could hold about 700 passengers.

The Lermontov sank on its side after striking the rocks so when diving this wreck, a good navigational starting point is the ship’s deck. Following this gives you a good look at all the best entry points. When we dive it, places in the ship that stand out to us are the ballroom and the The Nevsky Bar.That being said this is a large ship with heaps to see and do.

DIVING DETAILS

The Mikhail Lermontov is in 37 meters of water which pushes the limits of recreational diving. This site is however an ideal dive for using  Nitrox, lots of fun for advanced divers. Good buoyancy control is needed on this dive as many of the ships original furnishings are still present and easily disturbed. Meaning that the visibility is good but can become very poor very quickly. Because this ship is located in the Marlborough Sounds the conditions can be quite cold so a 7mm wet suit is a must, preferably a dry suit.

TRIP DETAILS INCLUDE: 

Price per person includes: $690

3 nights accommodation at the Lermontov Lodge

2 Day charter (2 or 3 x dives per day, single cylinder & weights)

All meals

Linen & Towels

Excludes: Nitrox, rental gear, flights to Blenheim or ferry crossing,

Optional extra: Return transport lodge – Blenheim airport