10 Years Ago, the General Pereira d’Eça Corvette Began a New Life Beneath the Sea

On 13 July 2016, Tecnovia Madeira successfully completed an extraordinary operation that marked an important milestone in the environmental history of the Madeira archipelago: the deliberate sinking of the General Pereira d’Eça Corvette off the coast of Porto Santo. A decade later, the vessel continues to fulfil its new role as an artificial reef and a thriving marine habitat.

A Precise and Well-Executed Operation

The sinking marked the culmination of four intensive months of preparing and decontaminating the corvette, work carried out by Tecnovia Madeira as part of the artificial reef construction project. The sinking itself took just 1 minute and 26 seconds, during which the vessel descended in a perfectly vertical position to a depth of 30 metres, demonstrating the precision and technical excellence applied throughout the project.

International Recognition

The project was recognised by Sport Diver magazine as one of the best artificial wreck sinkings of 2016, acknowledging the excellence of the engineering solutions delivered by Tecnovia Madeira and highlighting the project’s significance to the international diving community.

A Living Legacy Beneath the Sea

Ten years on, the General Pereira d’Eça Corvette continues to fulfil its new purpose successfully. It has become a thriving marine habitat where aquatic life flourishes, a renowned dive site for both recreational and professional divers, and a unique tourist attraction that strengthens Madeira’s position as a distinctive diving destination.

For Tecnovia Madeira, this project represents far more than a successful technical operation. It reflects the company’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions that combine technical excellence, environmental sustainability and regional development.

Crescemos a Fazer.

13.07.2026