ALMOND BRANCH (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Almond Branch is a deep dive, a proper expedition down into the cold, dark English Channel. This steamship, torpedoed in 1917, now rests upright at 54 metres, a colossal steel skeleton on the seabed. We love the sheer scale of it, and the way the light, even on a sunny day, barely penetrates to this depth, giving the whole scene a ghostly, reverent feel. You’re looking at a huge wreck here, over 100 metres long, which means you’ll want multiple dives to properly appreciate it. The bow section is particularly impressive, rising from the sand, often draped in fishing nets like tattered shrouds. Visibility can be a challenge in this part of the world, but when it’s good, say 10-15 metres, the sheer structure of the Almond Branch is breathtaking. Keep an eye out for conger eels in the deeper holds and massive pollack that patrol the upper decks. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the propeller still sits, an imposing testament to the ship’s original purpose. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, certainly, those comfortable with deco obligations and the inherent chill of deep UK water. It’s an adventure, a genuine journey into history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.207783, -4.748783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Wreck History - ALMOND BRANCH (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The Almond Branch was a British steamship built in 1896, serving for over two decades before becoming a casualty of the Great War. In late November 1917, while on a voyage from Port Talbot in Wales to South America, she was stalked by the German submarine UB-57. On November 27th, the U-boat's torpedo found its mark, and the Almond Branch was sent to the bottom of the English Channel, another victim of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign.

Today, the wreck of the Almond Branch rests at a depth of 54 meters, placing it firmly in the realm of technical diving. This is a challenging but rewarding dive for experienced and suitably qualified divers. The depth has helped preserve the wreck from the worst of the currents and storm surges, but its steel structure is slowly surrendering to the sea. Divers can explore a vessel steeped in WWI history, a silent testament to the conflict that raged in the waters off the British coast.

Marine Protected Area: Cuckoo Rock to Turbot Point

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 ALMOND BRANCH (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 ALMOND BRANCH (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