Snippet
At the edge of Lake Como, in Moregallo, lies a mysterious underwater world. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it draws hikers, cyclists, and divers, lured by natural beauty and local cuisine. Below the surface, a submerged graveyard of automobiles from illicit activities offers a unique dive site, with cars resting at depths over 60 meters. Among these lies a legend of a survivor who escaped from a sinking vehicle, adding a haunting layer to the dive site. The dives begin at 8 a.m., descending alongside cliff faces to car wrecks at thirty meters, continuing to deeper levels where divers visit plaques for those lost in these waters, a somber reminder of the risks involved.
At the edge of Lake Como, nestled in the picturesque enclave of Moregallo, lies a mysterious underwater world, veiled not only by the emerald green of the waters but also by its shadowy past. Situated along the Lecco branch near Valmadrera and surrounded by majestic mountains, Moregallo serves as a breathtaking canvas for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, hikers, cyclists, and divers converge, drawn by the natural beauty and the excellent local cuisine.
A submerged cemetery of mysterious cars
However, beneath the surface of this scenic spot lies a darker secret—a submerged graveyard of automobiles. Once connected by a road that stretched north through Valmadrera, this path is now sealed off to vehicular traffic. It’s said that under the cover of night, cars used in robberies and other illicit activities were hurled from the overlooking arches into the lake below.
Now, these vehicles rest at depths reaching over 60 meters, creating an eerie and intriguing dive site. The lake bed is littered with an assortment of models, from Renault 4s and Minis to Passats and Land Cruisers, including vans, motorcycles, and vintage Fiats. Each car tells a silent story of its mysterious past, offering a unique exploration experience for divers.
The legend of the unspoken survivor of Lake Como’s submerged cars
Among these submerged relics lies an eerie tale of a lone survivor who miraculously escaped from one of these doomed vehicles.
Legend has it that on a foggy night, a car was seen speeding along the now-closed road above the lake. In a sudden twist of fate, the vehicle lost control and plunged into the cold depths of Lake Como. The car sank quickly, pulled down by its own weight into the murky abyss. However, amidst the panic and the encroaching water, one person managed to escape the sinking vehicle.
This individual, whose identity remains wrapped in secrecy and speculation, reportedly survived by finding an air pocket within the flooded car. In a desperate bid for life, they managed to break a window and swim to the surface under the cover of darkness. The survivor never publicly came forward, and over time, the story became a blend of whispered truths and local lore.
Now, divers who explore the watery graveyard often wonder about the fate of those who didn’t escape. As they glide past the ghostly lineup of vehicles, they sometimes feel a chilling sensation, as if the lake itself remembers the night of the escape. The mystery of the survivor adds a haunting layer to the already captivating dive site, turning each expedition into a search not just for cars, but for the echoes of a narrowly escaped tragedy lurking in the silent waters of Lake Como.
A typical underwater dive among the cars
The dive begins calmly at 8 a.m., with divers taking their time to set up heavy gear near the entry point. Entering the water near the steep lake walls, divers descend alongside the cliff face, reaching the first car wrecks just shy of thirty meters deep. As they continue their descent, the visibility, although not perfect, allows for a clear view and the opportunity to photograph these silent, steel sentinels.
Minutes into the dive, as the pressure gauge signals, the journey ascends to about twenty meters. Here, divers are propelled by underwater scooters to a jeep wreck resting around -15 meters, where the occasional fish can be spotted—unlike in the deeper, desolate reaches.
The dive continues all around among several different car wrecks, that lead down to -65 meters depth.
The dive normally culminate with a visit to the commemorative plaques for divers who have tragically lost their lives in these waters. Each plaque serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices associated with exploring this profound yet haunting site.
That “cursed” branch of Lake Como
It’s truly saddening to hear that so many people, including many friends, have lost their lives in these waters.
Visiting commemorative plaques during dives at sites where divers have tragically lost their lives adds a profound and somber dimension to the experience. These plaques, often placed in or near the location of the accidents, serve not only as memorials but also as stark reminders of the inherent risks and possible sacrifices involved in underwater exploration.
This practice underscores the close-knit nature of the diving community and the respect shown towards fellow divers who have faced peril in their pursuit of exploring the underwater world. It reminds divers of the need for vigilance, safety precautions, and training to navigate such environments responsibly. Moreover, these memorials help in commemorating the lives of those who had a passion for diving, offering a moment of reflection and respect for the enthusiasts who have contributed to the field, often pushing the boundaries of human endurance and exploration.
Moregallo, with its blend of natural beauty and submerged secrets, attracts hundreds of divers, especially on weekends. It promises an alternative diving experience in a setting that has captivated many historical figures like Alessandro Manzoni, Napoleon, Giuseppe Verdi, and Leonardo da Vinci, adding an element of allure to the chilling mysteries lying beneath Lake Como’s surface.
Italian version published on ScubaPortal -X-Ray Magazine – ScubaZone magazine and other media.
Some of my shots
