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The Ipiranga Corvette (V-17): one of Brazil’s most iconic shipwrecks

One of Brazil’s most famous shipwrecks, the Corvette V-17 – Ipiranga, belonging to the Brazilian Navy, lies at a depth of around 62 metres in the waters off Ponta da Sapata, in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago.

Very well preserved by the island’s diving operators, the Ipiranga retains virtually all of its structures intact. Inside, there are various objects and belongings abandoned by the crew during the shipwreck.

Video about the Ipiranga corvette

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História do naufrágio da Corveta Ipiranga10:46

Naufrágio da Corveta Ipiranga11:20

History of the Ipiranga Corvette

The Corvette Ipiranga was the fourth Brazilian Navy vessel to bear that name, in honour of the Riacho do Ipiranga, a symbolic site associated with the Proclamation of Brazilian Independence.

Built at the Dutch shipyard C.C. Sheepsbower & Gashonder Bedrijf Jonker & Stans in Rotterdam, on behalf of Smit International, her keel was laid on 17 October 1953, was launched on 26 June 1954 and commissioned into the Brazilian Navy on 6 January 1955, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Ediguche Gomes Carneiro.

Designed for multiple roles, the corvette was based on an ocean-going tug design and could serve as a patrol vessel, tug, logistics support vessel, fire-fighting vessel and mine-clearing vessel.

Technical specifications of the Ipiranga V-17 corvette

• Class: Imperial Sailor
• Displacement: standard: 911 tonnes | full load: 962 tonnes
• Dimensions: length: 55.72 m | beam: 9.55 m | draught: 3.60 m
• Propulsion: 2 Sulzer 6TD36 diesel engines (1,610 kW / 2,160 HP) | 2 shafts with fixed-pitch propellers
• Maximum speed: 16 knots (about 30 km/h)
• Range: 15,000 nautical miles at 14 knots
• Crew: around 64 men
• Armament: 1 × 76.2 mm (3″) dual-purpose gun | 4 × 20 mm Oerlikon machine guns | naval mine capability
• Equipment: navigation radar, naval communication systems, winches, cranes and fire-fighting equipment

The accident and the shipwreck

On 3 October 1983, whilst on a coastal patrol mission off the north-east coast of Brazil, the Corvette Ipiranga was approaching Fernando de Noronha to carry out logistical support tasks for the island’s garrison.

On a calm morning, the ship struck the rock formation known as Cabeça da Sapata, which rises from a depth of over 70 metres to less than 2 metres at low tide.

Although it is a known hazard to shipping, and is thought to have caused the sinking of Amerigo Vespucci’s ship, there are no navigational marks at the site.

Following the collision, the Ipiranga remained afloat for around 8 hours, allowing vessels from the island to rescue the crew and recover important equipment. Morro do Pico could be seen from the corvette’s final position before it sank.

The crew were rescued by local fishermen, and there were no fatalities. The Navy’s investigation concluded that no one was to blame for the accident.

Subsequently, Navy divers recovered some of the weaponry from the wreck, including the four 20 mm Oerlikon machine guns.

Why is the Ipiranga corvette so famous amongst divers?

Today, the wreck of the corvette Ipiranga remains in a navigable position at a depth of around 62 metres, making it one of Brazil’s most iconic dive sites.

The structure is virtually intact, with passageways, corridors and compartments still accessible, making the site extremely attractive to experienced divers and enthusiasts of historic shipwrecks.

Due to the depth and local currents, diving at this site requires experience in technical diving and must be supervised by qualified professionals.

How to visit the wreck of the corvette Ipiranga

Access to the site is exclusively via specialised diving operations. This is not an ordinary excursion, but an activity aimed at advanced divers with appropriate training in depth, safety and underwater navigation — generally, an advanced or technical (Extended Range) diving certification is recommended, accompanied by accredited operators on the island.

Before planning your visit, it is important to check the sea conditions, visibility and Fernando de Noronha’s environmental protection regulations.

Best time of year to dive the shipwreck

The shipwreck can be visited all year round, but the dry season, between August and February, usually offers calmer seas and better visibility — in September, for example, the water can be crystal-clear for up to 50 metres. During the wet season (March to July), the boat trip to the dive sites is more rough, although it is still possible to dive in good conditions.

Interesting facts about the Ipiranga corvette

• It is considered one of the best-preserved shipwrecks in Brazil.
• It has become famous amongst divers for the good condition of its structure.
• The accident took place in an area already known to be dangerous for shipping.
• The shipwreck has become an iconic attraction in Fernando de Noronha.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Wreck of the Corvette Ipiranga

Where is the wreck of the corvette Ipiranga?

The shipwreck lies in the waters off Ponta da Sapata, near the Cabeça da Sapata rock formation, in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago (PE).

At what depth lies the wreck of the corvette Ipiranga?

The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 62 metres, in a sailing position, with much of the structure still intact.

Can any diver visit the wreck?

No. Due to the depth and the currents, diving at this site requires technical diving experience or an advanced certification (such as Extended Range), and divers must always be accompanied by specialist operators from Fernando de Noronha.

How did the sinking of the corvette Ipiranga happen?

On 3 October 1983, whilst on a patrol mission, the vessel struck Cabeça da Sapata, a submerged rock formation. It remained afloat for around 8 hours before sinking, long enough for the entire crew to be rescued.

Were there any casualties in the shipwreck?

No. The entire crew was rescued by local fishermen and boats from the island, and the Navy’s investigation did not identify anyone as being at fault for the accident.

When is the best time to dive to the wreck of the corvette Ipiranga?

The months from August to February (the dry season) usually bring calmer seas and better visibility, particularly in September.

Conclusion

The Corveta Ipiranga (V-17) is much more than just a shipwreck: it is a landmark in Brazilian naval history and one of the most iconic dive sites in Fernando de Noronha. Its state of preservation, its size and the circumstances of the accident have made the site a must-visit for divers and maritime history enthusiasts alike.

If you’re into historic shipwrecks and technical diving, the Ipiranga is certainly one of the most impressive sites in Brazil — and it’s also worth checking out our guide on how to get to Fernando de Noronha and when to go to help you plan your trip.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 18/06/2013 · Updated on 20/08/2026

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