AMELIE-SUZANNE - Cornwall & Devon

The Amelie-Suzanne is a cracking little shore dive, especially if you’re into shallow wreck rummaging. We love it for its accessibility; just gear up at Bolt Head and head in. You’ll find the remains of the old French fishing trawler scattered across the seabed in about six metres of water. It went ashore in thick fog back in '72, so the wreck isn't intact, but that's part of its charm. What you get here is a really engaging dive, perfect for extending bottom time. We always find conger eels tucked into the larger sections of twisted metal, and the plates are absolutely covered in plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the surge. Look closely and you’ll spot gobies darting between the rusty plates. It’s a great spot for macro photography, or just exploring if you’re new to wrecks and want something relaxed without the pressure of depth. The site can get a bit surgey with a south-easterly, so we’d suggest picking a calmer day for the best visibility.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.213370, -3.799225
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - AMELIE-SUZANNE

Year Sunk
1972
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The story of the Amelie-Suzanne is a classic tale of the sea's unforgiving nature. On April 1, 1972, the fishing vessel was navigating the waters off the rugged Devon coastline when a thick fog descended, reducing visibility to near zero. Blinded by the weather, the crew was helpless as their vessel ran hard aground off Bolt Head. The relentless waves battered the stranded ship, breaking her apart and scattering the remains in the shallows.

Resting at a mere 6 meters, the Amelie-Suzanne is one of the most accessible wrecks in the region, perfect for novice divers, trainees, and even snorkelers. The shallow depth ensures vibrant colors and abundant marine life, as the wreckage has transformed into a bustling nursery for fish and invertebrates. While classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck' due to sharp, broken sections, it provides a fantastic opportunity for underwater photography and a gentle introduction to the thrill of wreck diving in the UK.

Marine Protected Area: Salcombe to Kingsbridge

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 AMELIE-SUZANNE

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 AMELIE-SUZANNE

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