The Greek steamship Athanasios was sunk by the German air force in the sea area of Plytra on April 26, 1941, during the early days of World War II in Greece.

The vessel, commanded by Captain Rigas Matthaios, was carrying 120 Hellenic Naval Cadets (Evelpides). It had departed from Gytheio, heading toward Kythira and onward to Crete.

During the night of April 26–27, 1941, the ship anchored in the Xyli Bay area of Plytra. At dawn, while all passengers and crew were safely ashore, German aircraft launched repeated air attacks and sank the vessel. Since then, the Athanasios has remained resting on the seabed of this quiet bay.

Today, the wreck stands as a powerful reminder of wartime history and human survival. Slowly embraced by the marine environment, the Athanasios shipwreck offers divers and visitors a deeply moving experience—where history, memory, and the sea come together in a place of respect and reflection.