AGHIOS SPYRIDON (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Aghios Spyridon, well, the wreck believed to be her, sitting at 45 metres off Cornwall, is a cracking dive for experienced wreck heads. We love how she’s broken up, giving you distinct sections to explore without feeling like you’re just swimming over a pile of scrap. The bow section is our favourite, with those massive winches still quite recognisable, now draped in dead man's fingers. Dropping down, the visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the outline of the 78-metre steamship slowly resolves from the gloom. You’ll see pollack schooling in the deeper parts of the holds, and conger eels are often tucked away in the more sheltered nooks and crannies. It's a proper technical dive, requiring careful planning for deco, but the reward is a genuinely atmospheric journey into maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.332900, -4.390700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Wreck History - AGHIOS SPYRIDON (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Shrouded in the deep, cold waters off the coast of Cornwall lies a wreck tentatively identified as the Aghios Spyridon. This 79-meter steamship sank during the height of World War I in February 1917, though the exact cause of its loss has faded with time. At a depth of 45 meters, this is a challenging dive reserved for experienced and technical divers who are prepared for the demanding conditions of the English Channel.

Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a historic vessel from a pivotal era in maritime history. The hull, though over a century old, remains largely intact, offering a glimpse into the construction of early 20th-century steamships. The wreck is often subject to strong currents and limited visibility, but on a clear day, exploring its decaying superstructure and seeing the marine life that has colonized it is an unforgettable experience for the dedicated wreck diver.

Marine Protected Area: Morte Platform

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 AGHIOS SPYRIDON (POSSIBLY)

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 AGHIOS SPYRIDON (POSSIBLY)

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