ALDERSHOT - Cornwall & Devon

The Aldershot. Now there’s a proper wreck dive, one of our favourites off the Lizard. She's a big old steamer, went down in 1918, and lies in a respectable 55 metres. You’ll need your tech certs for this, and frankly, some experience diving in UK waters. We’ve had some truly stunning dives here, the kind where the viz just opens up to 10 metres and the light filters down through the green, highlighting the stern. When you drop down, the sheer size of her hits you. Eighty-five metres long, she’s largely intact and upright, making for fantastic exploration. We love the engine room, a real highlight; the triple-expansion engine is still there, impressive and corroded, a haven for conger eels. We’ve seen some absolute monsters lurking in the shadows there, thick as a diver's thigh. The boilers are massive too, usually covered in plumose anemones, waving gently in the current. She’s definitely a site for those who appreciate maritime history and a challenging, rewarding dive. Just remember, the Lizard can be a bit frisky with currents, so pick your weather window carefully for the best experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.275400, -3.469017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Wreck History - ALDERSHOT

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
2,059 GRT

The SS Aldershot is a classic casualty of the First World War, a ghost from an era of unrestricted submarine warfare. Built in 1897, this British steamship spent two decades plying the trade routes before its final, fateful voyage. On September 23, 1918, while transporting a cargo of coal from Barry to Rouen, France, she was spotted by the German submarine UB-112. A single torpedo struck the vessel, and she sank beneath the waves, just weeks before the war's end.

Resting at a challenging depth of 55 meters, the Aldershot is now a prized site for technical divers exploring the rich maritime heritage of the English Channel. The wreck is significantly broken up but still recognizable, with her two large boilers and triple-expansion engine standing proud amidst the wreckage. Due to the depth, bottom times are short and the dive requires careful planning and execution. For those qualified to make the descent, the Aldershot offers a poignant and atmospheric glimpse into the final, brutal days of WWI.

Marine Protected Area: Slapton Ley

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 ALDERSHOT

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 ALDERSHOT

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