AMBASSADOR - Cornwall & Devon

The Ambassador is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving, especially when the visibility decides to play nice. Lying at 45 metres, this steamship is a substantial dive, 91 metres of history stretched out on the seabed. We love dropping down and seeing her emerge from the gloom, the sheer scale is impressive. The wreck went down in 1891, a big freighter carrying grain, probably hitting the Ham Stone or some other submerged mystery. We find the bow section particularly engaging, often still recognisable, and the midships where the boilers are a major focal point. Look for schools of bib darting through the superstructure. Our favourite part is exploring the breakdown of the deck plating, where you can often spot conger eels tucked into dark corners. It’s a dive that really suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate the atmospheric side of things. Keep an eye on the current here, it can pick up.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.192135, -3.829617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Wreck History - AMBASSADOR

Year Sunk
1891
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision

The S.S. Ambassador was a sizable 91-meter steamship that met a mysterious end in September 1891. While on a passage from Odessa, Ukraine to Hamburg, Germany, she suddenly began taking on water off the coast of Devon. The cause remains uncertain to this day, with contemporary reports suggesting she struck submerged wreckage, a floating derelict, or the infamous Ham Stone reef. Whatever the cause, the sea claimed her quickly, and she sank beneath the waves, taking her secrets with her.

Today, the Ambassador rests at a depth of 45 meters, making her an exciting but challenging dive reserved for experienced divers. The wreck is well-broken but her impressive boilers stand proud of the seabed, providing a key landmark. Divers can explore the scattered plates, ribs, and machinery that litter the area, piecing together the story of this late Victorian steamship. The wreckage has become a thriving artificial reef, offering shelter to conger eels, lobsters, and dense shoals of bib and pollack, making it a dive rich in both history and marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound & Eddystone

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 AMBASSADOR

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 AMBASSADOR

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