AMBASSADOR
Protected Area
Start Point to Plymouth Sound & Eddystone
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - AMBASSADOR offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical AMBASSADOR Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 45m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AMBASSADOR Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to AMBASSADOR
Dive shops near AMBASSADOR
Sound Diving Limited
Plymouth Diving Centre
Teign Diving Centre
Dive Looe
Reviews for AMBASSADOR
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AMBASSADOR
AMBASSADOR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AMBASSADOR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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