Northern Diver Gear Helps Unearth Historic Shipwreck in Argentina​​​​​​​

For over a century, the whereabouts of the Helvecia II, a steamship lost in the depths of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Patagonia, remained a mystery. But in 2024, a team of divers and researchers finally brought this ghost ship to light, solving one of Argentina’s greatest underwater enigmas.

The discovery team, led by divers Nicolás Mazzola, Lucas Bonfanti, and Pablo Sigüenza, faced extreme conditions, including low temperatures and challenging depths. Thanks to the outstanding performance of Northern Diver's Divemaster Commercial drysuits, the divers were able to stay warm and protected during this groundbreaking expedition.

What makes this find extraordinary is the state of preservation of the ship. The Helvecia II appears almost untouched by time, with tables and objects inside remaining in place. This is largely due to the unique characteristics of Lake Nahuel Huapi, where the cold, deep waters have preserved the wreck for over a century.​​​​​​​

The discovery has sparked plans for underwater photogrammetry and conservation efforts. Soon, cameras will be installed to livestream the shipwreck in the Patagonia Museum.

For more about this remarkable find and the role Northern Diver played in supporting the divers, check out the full National Geographic article here and watch the exclusive video footage here.