ALICE MARIE - Cornwall & Devon

The *Alice Marie* is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving, particularly if you appreciate a bit of history beneath the waves. Lying at 31 metres, she’s a proper dive, best suited for those comfortable with deeper conditions and perhaps a bit of current. We often head here in late summer when the visibility can stretch to a decent 10-15 metres, making the huge boiler room a real highlight to explore. What we love about the *Alice Marie* is her intact structure. You can trace the lines of the triple-expansion engine, imagining the effort of her crew before she went down in 1917. Around the stern, we’ve often found conger eels poking their heads out, thick as a diver's thigh, and the deck plating is absolutely carpeted with jewel anemones, shimmering orange and pink in your torch beam. It’s a proper old girl, colonised beautifully by the sea, offering a tangible link to Cornwall’s maritime past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.283924, -3.522032
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Wreck History - ALICE MARIE

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
2,203 GRT

The SS Alice Marie was a 2,203-ton British steamship built in 1915, during the height of the First World War. She was put to work immediately, braving the perilous waters of the Atlantic to transport vital supplies. On December 19, 1917, while on a voyage from Bilbao, Spain, to Newport, Wales with a cargo of iron ore, her luck ran out. She was spotted by the German submarine UB-55, which was prowling the shipping lanes off the Cornish coast. A single torpedo struck the Alice Marie, sealing her fate and sending her and her valuable cargo to the bottom of the sea.

Lying at a depth of 31 meters, the wreck of the Alice Marie is a poignant reminder of the Great War's naval conflict. The dive is suited for advanced recreational divers, who are rewarded with the sight of a substantial early 20th-century freighter. Key features, such as her two large boilers and the triple-expansion engine, stand proud from the wreckage, now heavily colonized by marine life. Exploring the remains of the Alice Marie is a journey back in time, offering a direct, tangible connection to a critical moment in world history.

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 ALICE MARIE

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 ALICE MARIE

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 typical depth range for diving the Alice Marie wreck near Penzance?
The Alice Marie wreck is found at a depth of 31m. This makes it an intermediate depth dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to encounter at the Alice Marie dive site?
Divers exploring the Alice Marie wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 85.3m by 12.5m. Key features include its two boilers and triple expansion engine, which powered the single shaft. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Alice Marie wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Alice Marie wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is not recommended for beginner divers, who should seek out easier sites to gain experience. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for intermediate wreck diving.
What are the optimal conditions or times of year to dive the Alice Marie wreck?
The provided data does not specify optimal conditions or times of year for diving the Alice Marie wreck. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are needed to dive the Alice Marie wreck in Penzance?
Given the Alice Marie wreck's depth of 31m and intermediate difficulty, divers will typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification. For wreck penetration or more advanced exploration, a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
What are the usual currents and underwater visibility like at the Alice Marie dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual currents or underwater visibility at the Alice Marie dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions in Cornwall & Devon.