ALBERT C FIELD (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Albert C. Field, or what we strongly suspect is her, sits upright at 36 metres, a proper, solid wreck dive off the Cornish coast. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale. She’s a big steamship, about 77 metres long, and the visibility here, when it’s good, lets you appreciate that. We love drifting along the deck line, imagining her in her working life before she went down in 1944. The stern is our favourite spot; the propeller is often still visible, and there’s usually some playful conger eel poking out from the collapsed sections. Look closely for the smaller stuff too: nudibranchs are common on the superstructure, and crabs scuttle across the plating. This is a wreck for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current. It’s not a dive for beginners, but for experienced wreckies, she offers a substantial exploration. Best dived on a slack tide, obviously, to really take in the atmosphere.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.470810, -1.756358
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Wreck History - ALBERT C FIELD (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The SS Albert C. Field was a Canadian cargo ship built in 1923. Originally plying the Great Lakes, she was requisitioned by the British government during World War II to support the war effort. Her final, critical mission began in June 1944, just days after the D-Day landings. Loaded with 2,500 tons of vital munitions and 1,300 bags of mail for the troops, she joined Convoy EBC-14, bound for the Normandy beachhead.

On June 18, 1944, as the convoy steamed south of The Needles off the Isle of Wight, it was attacked by German aircraft. The Albert C. Field was struck by an aerial torpedo, and with her volatile cargo, the ship was doomed. She sank in a mere three minutes, a catastrophic explosion taking four of her crew down with her. The swift and violent end scattered the ship across the seabed.

Today, the wreck lies on a gravel bottom at a depth of 36 metres. The explosion and subsequent salvage efforts have left the hull badly damaged and collapsed. The highest point of the wreck is her prominent boiler, which rises to about 30 metres. Exploring the debris field reveals the twisted metal and machinery of a ship that played a small but vital part in the liberation of Europe, making it a poignant and historic dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts.

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 ALBERT C FIELD (PROBABLY)

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 ALBERT C FIELD (PROBABLY)

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 is the maximum depth of the SS Albert C. Field shipwreck dive site?
The SS Albert C. Field shipwreck dive site reaches a maximum depth of 36 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those with appropriate training and experience in deeper wreck environments.
What kind of marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see at the SS Albert C. Field dive site?
Divers exploring the SS Albert C. Field can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1923 and sunk on June 18, 1944. The wreck features a single boiler, a triple expansion engine of 111NHP, and a single shaft, offering fascinating structural elements to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making them vibrant habitats for marine life.
How challenging is diving the SS Albert C. Field wreck, considering its condition and location?
Diving the SS Albert C. Field wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. As a non-dangerous wreck, it offers an accessible yet engaging experience for divers with suitable training. Its depth of 36 meters also contributes to its intermediate rating, requiring appropriate dive planning.
What is the best time of year to dive the SS Albert C. Field for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the SS Albert C. Field dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the SS Albert C. Field shipwreck?
Given the SS Albert C. Field's maximum depth of 36 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, an advanced open water certification or equivalent is typically required or highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck explorations and potential overhead environments.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the SS Albert C. Field dive site?
Specific details regarding typical current and visibility conditions at the SS Albert C. Field dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning their dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.