ALISON (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Alison, or possibly the Ethel as some charts suggest, is a proper technical dive, and one we’ve spent a few decent bottom times exploring. Sitting upright at 60 metres, this isn't a site for the faint-hearted or those without the training, but for wreck enthusiasts, it’s a beautiful piece of history. You'll find the entire structure largely intact, and the visibility down there often surprises us – sometimes pushing 15 metres on a good day. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light fades, leaving the wreck in a permanent twilight. The hull is draped in dead man's fingers, orange and white, with the occasional lobster peeking out from a shadowed crevice. We love navigating the deck, picking out the boiler and the compound expansion engine, imagining the life on board before she went down in 1916. Our favourite is exploring the bow, where the anchor chain still runs out, disappearing into the seabed, a stark reminder of her final moments. It’s a quiet, contemplative dive, and one that rewards patience and a good torch beam, revealing the wreck’s secrets in the cold embrace of the deep.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.580482, -0.444117
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Wreck History - ALISON (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The vessel tentatively identified as the SS Alison was a small steamship built in 1908 by W.J. Yarwood & Sons for the Northwich Carrying Co. Ltd. This modest coastal trader served for eight years before meeting its end on November 28, 1916. While the exact cause of its sinking remains unconfirmed, its loss during the height of World War I, in the heavily patrolled waters off the English coast, suggests it may have been a casualty of enemy action, possibly striking a mine or falling victim to a U-boat.

Resting at a depth of 60 meters, the wreck of the Alison is a challenging dive reserved for experienced technical and rebreather divers. The depth means short bottom times and a demanding decompression schedule. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a small, largely intact early 20th-century steamship. The boiler and compound expansion engine are key features, offering a fascinating glimpse into the technology of the era. Visibility can be variable, but on a clear day, the wreck materializes from the deep green, a silent monument to its final, mysterious voyage.

Marine Protected Area: Kingmere

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 ALISON (POSSIBLY)

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 ALISON (POSSIBLY)

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