AMIRAL ZEDE - Cornwall & Devon

The Amiral Zede is a deep one, a proper expedition dive, but for us, absolutely worth the commitment. Dropping onto her takes you to 46 metres, so this isn't for the faint-hearted or new deep divers. What you find down there, though, is a huge steamship, over 120 metres long, upright and largely intact, a real marvel considering she’s been down since 1917. We love exploring her vast holds, peering into the gloom, and tracing the outline of her collapsed mast. Visibility here can swing, but on a good day, the scale of the Zede is breathtaking, the sheer bulk of her silhouetted against the lighter water above. Conger eels the size of your thigh lurk in every dark crevice, and plumose anemones, often in vibrant pinks and oranges, carpet sections of the superstructure. Our favourite tip? Go on slack water. The currents here can be fierce, making the descent and ascent a real challenge, but get it right and you’ve got time to really soak in this magnificent wreck. It's a dive that stays with you, a truly memorable deep wreck experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.333810, -4.501128
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Wreck History - AMIRAL ZEDE

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

Built in 1912 at the renowned French shipyard Chantiers et Ateliers de St. Nazaire, the AMIRAL ZEDE was a steamship owned by the Chargeurs Reunis shipping line. For five years, she plied the trade routes, a workhorse of the seas. However, her service coincided with the height of World War I, a time of immense peril for merchant shipping. On November 19, 1917, while on a voyage from Newport, her luck ran out. Like so many other vessels in the English Channel during this period, she was attacked and sunk by a German U-boat, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare campaign.

Lying at a depth of 46 meters in the waters between Cornwall and Devon, the AMIRAL ZEDE is now a classic WWI wreck dive for experienced technical divers. The depth and challenging conditions of the English Channel mean that a visit to this wreck requires careful planning. Those who make the descent are rewarded with a view of a vessel steeped in history, its decaying form a silent testament to the Great War. The wreck is a substantial and fascinating site, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in 20th-century history.

Marine Protected Area: Morte Platform

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 AMIRAL ZEDE

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 AMIRAL ZEDE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the AMIRAL ZEDE wreck?
The AMIRAL ZEDE wreck is typically dived at a depth of 46 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable with such depths.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to encounter at the AMIRAL ZEDE dive site?
Divers exploring the AMIRAL ZEDE can expect to encounter a significant historical artifact - a steam ship vessel, built in 1912 and sunk in 1917. The wreck, measuring 123.7m x 15.8m, features components like its 359NHP triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
Is the AMIRAL ZEDE wreck dive considered difficult, and what skill level is recommended?
The AMIRAL ZEDE wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have prior experience with deeper dives and wreck diving techniques to safely explore this site.
When is the best season or time of year to dive the AMIRAL ZEDE for the best visibility and conditions?
Our current data for the AMIRAL ZEDE does not specify the best season or time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives, please consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience required to dive the AMIRAL ZEDE, especially for wreck penetration?
Given the AMIRAL ZEDE's depth of 46 meters and intermediate difficulty rating, advanced diving certifications and experience with deep diving are highly recommended. While it's classified as a non-dangerous wreck, any form of wreck penetration requires specialized training and equipment to ensure safety. Divers should always dive within their certification limits and consider specific equipment for such environments.
What are the usual current conditions and underwater visibility like at the AMIRAL ZEDE dive site?
Our available data for the AMIRAL ZEDE does not include specific details on usual current conditions or typical underwater visibility. Divers should always check local dive reports and conditions immediately prior to their dive.