ALABAMA - Cornwall & Devon

The Alabama. Now this is a proper deep wreck, a serious dive for those with the training and the nerve. It lies at 56 metres, which puts it firmly in the technical bracket, but for experienced trimix divers, it’s an absolute stunner. We love the history here; sunk in 1864 after a duel with the USS Kearsarge, it’s a tangible piece of maritime history right there on the seabed. Dropping down onto the Alabama, you’ll find a huge wooden auxiliary sailing vessel, a barquentine, impressively intact considering its age and depth. The sheer scale of it at 78 by 10 metres is striking. We’ve seen conger eels that look like tree trunks making their homes in the deeper sections of the hull, and the deck timbers are often coated in jewel anemones, glowing under the torchlight. You can spend a whole dive exploring the structure, imagining the battle that sent her down. It’s a dark, atmospheric dive, often with decent visibility, but you’ll want to pick your day carefully for minimal current. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy the challenge of deep wreck penetration, not for the faint of heart.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.752304, -1.695322
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Wreck History - ALABAMA

Year Sunk
1864
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
unknown

This is not just any wreck; this is the legendary CSS Alabama, one of the most famous warships of the American Civil War. A commerce raider for the Confederacy, the Alabama spent two years terrorizing Union shipping across the globe, capturing or sinking 65 vessels without ever visiting a Confederate port. Commanded by the charismatic Raphael Semmes, its exploits became the stuff of legend.

The Alabama's reign ended on June 19, 1864, in a spectacular naval duel off the coast of Cherbourg, France. After being trapped in port for repairs, Captain Semmes boldly sailed out to challenge the waiting Union sloop, the USS Kearsarge. In a battle that lasted just over an hour, the Alabama was outgunned and sunk. The wreck was discovered in 1984 and is now a protected historic site.

Lying at 56 meters, the remains of the three-masted wooden steam-sloop are reserved for experienced technical divers. The site is an archaeological treasure, and while much of the wooden hull has deteriorated, divers can still identify key features like cannons, the ship's wheel, and other artifacts that whisper tales of its storied past and dramatic final battle.

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 ALABAMA

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 ALABAMA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths of dive sites in Alabama?
The dive site known as ALABAMA, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, features a depth of 56 meters. This specific wreck site offers a significant depth for divers to explore. For more details on this fascinating wreck, visit the ALABAMA dive site page.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see in Alabama?
Divers exploring the ALABAMA dive site will primarily encounter a historical attraction: a sailing vessel wreck. This three-masted wooden auxiliary barquentine, sunk on June 19, 1864, measures 78m x 10m and is classified as a non-dangerous wreck. The provided data does not specify details regarding marine life at this particular site.
Are there dive sites in Alabama suitable for beginner scuba divers, or are they mostly for advanced divers?
The ALABAMA dive site in Cornwall & Devon is classified with an intermediate difficulty rating. This suggests that while it may not be suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience and appropriate training can enjoy exploring this wreck. For more information on the site's characteristics, please see the ALABAMA dive site page.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Alabama for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the ALABAMA dive site does not include specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions, such as water temperatures or seasonal visibility. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive the various sites in Alabama?
Given that the ALABAMA dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty and has a depth of 56 meters, divers would typically require certifications beyond entry-level, such as advanced open water or deep diver specialties. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for such depths and conditions. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements for the ALABAMA dive site.
What are the common water conditions, visibility, and currents like for scuba diving in Alabama?
The provided data for the ALABAMA dive site does not contain specific details about common water conditions, visibility, or currents. Divers planning to visit this wreck site should consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on environmental factors before their dive.