ALFRED EMMA

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ALFRED EMMA offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Alfred Emma isn’t your typical deep-sea wreck. We love this site for its accessibility and the sheer amount of detail still visible, right up in the intertidal zone near Baggy Point. She was a ketch, wrecked in 1922, and unlike a lot of the deeper Cornish wrecks, you can really get a feel for the vessel's structure here. You'll find her at low tide, often just peeking out of the water, making it a brilliant spot for snorkelers and even freedivers looking for a different kind of challenge. As the tide comes in, the wreck transforms into an incredible habitat for rockpool critters and juvenile fish. Look closely in the nooks and crannies – we’ve seen everything from velvet swimming crabs scuttling about to tiny blennies peeking from rusted plates. It's a proper British wreck, encrusted with kelp and mussels, a living museum of local maritime history. Go at slack low tide, just before the turn, for the best visibility and a chance to explore her ribs and keel without much current.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

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ALFRED EMMA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1922

Vessel Type

ketch

Cause

grounding

The Alfred Emma was a ketch that met its end on the 14th of April, 1922. Caught in treacherous conditions, the vessel ran aground and was stranded on the coast near Croyde in North Devon. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued by the Croyde Coastguard, a testament to their skill and bravery. Today, the remains of the Alfred Emma rest at a depth of 0 metres, meaning its hull and superstructure are often visible from the shore, particularly at low tide. While not a traditional scuba dive, the wreck serves as a tangible piece of local maritime history, offering a fascinating point of interest for coastal explorers and a poignant reminder of the power of the sea.