ADVANTI - Cornwall & Devon

Now, the *Advanti*. This isn't just another lump of metal on the seabed. We really love this wreck because it’s so surprisingly intact, given its age. She went down in 1918, a Danish steamship, and sits upright at 41 metres, bow to the southeast. Dropping down, you’ll first hit the stern and quickly realise the sheer scale of her. What really makes the *Advanti* special for us is the way the wreck has become a home. Her two huge boilers are a particular highlight, absolutely encrusted with plumose anemones, often swaying gently in the current. You’ll find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, and often, schools of pollack will swirl around the superstructure, flashing silver as they catch the ambient light filtering down. It's a proper deep dive, so bring your twinset and make sure your bottom time is planned. Visibility can be hit or miss in the English Channel, but on a good day, the *Advanti* stands proud, offering a truly atmospheric wreck dive. We'd suggest going on a slack tide for the best exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.498350, -1.918450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Wreck History - ADVANTI

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

Launched in 1912 from the renowned Burmeister & Wain shipyard in Copenhagen, the steamship Advanti served during a tumultuous period in maritime history. At the time of her loss, she was under the control of the British Shipping Controller, a common practice for allied and neutral merchant vessels during the height of the First World War. Her final voyage came to an abrupt end on February 2nd, 1918, a time when German U-boats were actively targeting shipping in the English Channel and its approaches.

While records are sparse, her sinking is consistent with the fate of many merchant ships of the era: a sudden and violent attack by an unseen submarine. Today, the Advanti rests in 41 metres of water off the coast of Cornwall. The wreck is a compelling site for experienced divers, offering a tangible connection to the Great War. Key features for exploration include her two large boilers and the remains of her triple-expansion steam engine, the powerful heart of this early 20th-century vessel. The challenging depth and strong currents common to the area mean this dive is reserved for those with advanced training, who are rewarded with a glimpse into a wartime tragedy.

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to ADVANTI

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ADVANTI

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories