Wreck "E.Russ"

The wreck E. Russ used to be the cargo steamship was ordered by the German shipping firm Ernst Russ in 1909. It was awarded to England as war reparation in 1919. Estonia purchased equipment from the US Army Liquidation Committee after World War I ended in order to support its army during the War of Independence.

On September 15th, 1919, the E. Russ, carrying supplies, arrived at Tahkuna Peninsula, where at 4 a.m., it collided with a floating mine in a turbulent sea. Although the ship sank in 15 minutes, all 27 crew members and eight guests survived. E. Russ was transporting things worth about $2 million, including 50 automobiles, spare parts, and two motorbikes.

Salted pork, bacon, sardines, oleomargarine, vinegar, dried potatoes and carrots, turnips and onions, plums and bread, marmalade, condensed milk, coffee and tea were all found in the ship's hold. Only a minor portion of the shipment was recovered. Following the Estonian War of Independence, multiple attempts were made to remove and eliminate the wreck E. Russ, but they all failed.

Diving at Wreck "E.Russ" should pay attention to hire professional scuba diving instructors. Cabins can collapse or crack causing danger, so it's important to have a guide for scuba diving. They have a lot of experience in surveying the terrain and showing us the amazing sea creatures here.