A few kilometers off the western coast of Crimea, near the shores of the Big Atlash Nature Reserve, lies the sunken steamer 'Tsesarievich Alexei', which has become a true paradise for divers. This 'Crimean Titanic' attracts many researchers, including those from abroad. However, the history of this place has a sad shade: the steamer sank during World War I after hitting an enemy mine.

Originally, 'Tsesarievich Alexei' was not a military vessel. It was built in Hoboken, Belgium, as a cargo-passenger ship, one of the most modern in Russia at the time. The steamer's engines had a power of 3000 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 12 knots per hour and carry nearly 900 people. The vessel had four cargo holds and met World War I in this condition.

In the autumn of 1914, the government began mobilizing civilian ships for military service. The General Staff planned an amphibious operation in the Bosporus, and 'Tsesarievich' was to transport troops to the strait. Soldiers trained for a long time, but by the end of the year, plans changed, and the operation was canceled.

The ship returned to its primary task of cargo transportation. Each voyage in the Black Sea was risky due to mines and enemy submarines. 'Tsesarievich' was lucky for a long time, returning to port unharmed. However, luck changed.

On June 16, 1916, near Cape Tarkhankut, a powerful explosion occurred beneath the hull of the steamer, as it struck a mine. The crew attempted to patch the holes, but the damage was too severe, and water flooded the holds. 'Tsesarievich Alexei' slowly sank, but all the sailors managed to leave the ship. Later, during Soviet times, attempts were made to raise the vessel, but they were unsuccessful. Divers were only able to retrieve bags of flour and bottles of champagne.