ALEXANDROVNA - Cornwall & Devon

The *Alexandrovna* isn't your typical imposing wreck, and that's precisely why we love it. Instead of a single structure, you're looking at the scattered remains of an iron sailing ship, broken apart by a devastating storm in 1882. It sits shallow, just 7 metres deep, making it perfect for a long, relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to wreck diving. What you'll find here are plates of iron, ribs, and sections of hull spread across the seabed, now completely reclaimed by the ocean. It feels like an archaeological dig, discovering fragments of history. We’ve seen conger eels curled up in crevices, and the nooks between the twisted metal are always busy with crabs scuttling about. Look closely, and you’ll spot anemones clinging to the rust-coloured iron. It’s a poignant site, really, knowing the tragic story behind it. Our tip? Go at slack water for the best visibility; it can get a bit stirred up with any swell. It’s a thoughtful dive, less about penetration and more about appreciating the slow decay and reclamation by marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.591133, -1.968031
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - ALEXANDROVNA

Year Sunk
1882
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
storm

The ALEXANDROVNA was a sturdy sailing vessel built in Liverpool in 1874. Her career was cut tragically short just eight years later. In April 1882, while on passage from Masluis to Cardiff, she was caught in a violent south-southwesterly gale described at the time as a 'hurricane' that battered the coast of Cornwall. The storm's fury was overwhelming; the ALEXANDROVNA was driven ashore and, in a testament to the sea's immense power, was reportedly broken into pieces in a mere ten minutes.

Today, the remains of the ALEXANDROVNA lie in just 7 meters of water, making it a fantastic and accessible dive for all levels, and an excellent site for a long, relaxed exploration or a second dive of the day. Due to the violent nature of its sinking, the wreck is completely broken up, with its remnants scattered across the seabed. Divers can explore the flattened hull sections and debris field, now heavily encrusted with marine life and home to crabs, lobsters, and various fish that thrive in the shallow, sunlit waters of the Cornish coast.

Marine Protected Area: Studland Cliffs

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 ALEXANDROVNA

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 ALEXANDROVNA

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