ALYANI - Cornwall & Devon

The Alyani, a modest cabin cruiser, went down in 1977 after an unfortunate run-in with a semi-submerged log. Now, at a shallow 12 metres, she’s a fantastic little dive for anyone keen on getting close to a wreck without the deeper commitment. We love how accessible she is, making her perfect for newer wreck divers or those just looking for a relaxed potter around. You’ll find her largely intact, sitting upright, with the wheelhouse still recognisable. Sunlight filters down, illuminating the internal spaces you can peek into. Look closely and you’ll spot colourful jewel anemones clinging to the darker sections, their tiny tentacles waving like a hundred miniature flowers. Conger eels sometimes lurk in the more sheltered nooks, and we’ve often seen schools of pollack circling the mast. It’s a gentle dive, generally free from strong currents, making it ideal for longer bottom times to really soak up the atmosphere and observe the life that’s made her home. Our top tip: go on a rising tide for the best visibility.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.559902, -3.892250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Wreck History - ALYANI

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
cabin cruiser
Cause
collision

The wreck of the Alyani is an accessible and intriguing dive for those exploring the waters of Cornwall & Devon. This small cabin cruiser met its end on July 28, 1977, when it struck a partially submerged log and sank. Today, it rests in just 12 metres of water, making it a perfect site for novice wreck divers or a second, shallower dive for the more experienced. Although the vessel itself is small, its status as a 'Dangerous Wreck' means it poses a potential hazard to navigation, and divers should be mindful of potential entanglement risks. The shallow depth allows for plenty of bottom time to explore the structure and observe the marine life that has made this small vessel its home.

Marine Protected Area: Bracelet Bay

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 ALYANI

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 ALYANI

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