AMBASSADRICE
Protected Area
Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark
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) - AMBASSADRICE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Ambassadrice, lost back in 1895, isn't a deep dive, but what she lacks in depth, she makes up for in atmosphere. We love diving a wreck where you can really feel the history, and this schooner delivers. She’s broken up now, scattered across the seabed near Creux Mahie, but the bones of her still offer great exploration. You’ll find her timbers and hull plates forming nooks and crannies that have become homes for all sorts of critters. Look for spider crabs scuttling over the older timbers and conger eels peeking out from darker sections of the wreck. The light filters down beautifully on a sunny day, illuminating the kelp that sways over the wreck, making the whole scene feel quite ethereal. It's a fantastic site for newer wreck divers or those who prefer longer bottom times to really take in the details. Go on a slack tide; it makes navigating the fragments much more pleasant.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
AMBASSADRICE Wreck History
Year Sunk
1895
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
The Ambassadrice, a classic schooner from the age of sail, was lost to the treacherous waters of the Channel Islands in March 1895. These islands are notorious for their immense tidal ranges, ferocious currents, and hidden reefs, a combination that has claimed countless vessels over the centuries. The Ambassadrice met her fate near Creux Mahie on Guernsey, becoming another victim of the unforgiving maritime environment that defines the region.
Lying at a depth of 0 meters, the remains of the Ambassadrice offer a unique opportunity for exploration without the need for scuba gear. At low tide, portions of her hull and structure are exposed, allowing maritime history enthusiasts to walk among the wreckage. For snorkelers and those on a shallow shore dive at high tide, the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, with the ship's timbers now fully integrated into the rocky seabed. It serves as a tangible reminder of the power of the sea and the perils faced by sailors in the 19th century.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AMBASSADRICE
AMBASSADRICE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AMBASSADRICE, 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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