wreck

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ALMOND BRANCH (POSSIBLY)

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.