The passenger steamship Zakynthos, measuring 231 feet in length, was built in 1892 at the Earles Co. shipyards in Hull.

While sailing toward Souda Bay, the vessel put into Monemvasia, accompanied by the Greek torpedo boat Kydoniai. On board were technicians, naval personnel, senior officials of the Bank of Greece, as well as 50 crates of banknotes belonging to the Bank.

On April 26, 1941, the area came under a coordinated air attack by 12 German bomber aircraft.

During the assault, the Kydoniai was sunk almost immediately, with its bow and stern left protruding above the surface. As most of its crew had already disembarked and were ashore, only two sailors were injured.

The Zakynthos was struck by two aerial bombs, causing a fire to break out on board. In total, three air raids were carried out by German aircraft, and during the final attack, the Zakynthos was sunk.

Today, the wreck of the Zakynthos stands as a powerful reminder of the dramatic events of World War II. Resting beneath the sea near Monemvasia, it forms part of a significant underwater historical landscape—where maritime history, memory, and the sea meet in quiet reflection.