ADVANTI

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.