Alex Van Opstel (Wreck) - Cornwall & Devon

The Alex Van Opstel isn't just another lump of metal on the seabed, it's a properly atmospheric dive. Lying in 28 metres, it’s an intermediate dive, really, because the currents can be quite frisky around here. What we love about this wreck is how intact it still feels. You can swim through the holds, which are surprisingly open, and poke around the engine room – just watch your buoyancy, the silt can kick up in a hurry. It’s been down since 1939, and the sea has done a fantastic job of turning it into a home for everything from wrasse to conger eels. We’ve seen some absolutely huge pollack hovering over the bow, almost like guardians. Visibility can vary wildly in this part of the world, but on a good day, when the sun filters through the green water, the scale of the wreck is quite something. Our tip: aim for a slack tide, otherwise you’ll be working hard. The bow is our favourite part; it feels like stepping back in time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.558800, -2.210100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Wreck History - Alex Van Opstel (Wreck)

Year Sunk
1939
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mine

The Belgian merchant ship *Alex Van Opstal* was a modern vessel, built in 1937 and owned by the prestigious Cie Maritime Belge. Her story is a poignant reminder of the sudden and far-reaching impact of World War II. In September 1939, with the war less than two weeks old, the neutral vessel was on a transatlantic passage from New York to her home port of Antwerp, carrying general cargo.

On September 15, 1939, while navigating the English Channel, the *Alex Van Opstal* struck a German-laid mine off the coast of Weymouth. The explosion was catastrophic, and the ship sank, becoming one of the very first neutral vessels lost in the conflict. Today, she lies at a depth of 28 meters, a popular and fascinating site for advanced recreational divers. Exploring her remains offers a direct connection to the opening days of the war and serves as an underwater memorial to a conflict that would soon engulf the world.

Marine Protected Area: Studland to Portland

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 Alex Van Opstel (Wreck)

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 Alex Van Opstel (Wreck)

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