AMIRANTE
Protected Area
South of Portland
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) - AMIRANTE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Amirante isn’t one of those massive, sprawling wrecks you spend a whole day on. At just shy of 10 metres, she’s a compact little fishing vessel, but don’t let her size fool you. Sunk in 1982 after springing a leak, she now rests upright at 40 metres, making her a solid choice for those comfortable with deeper dives and a bit of chill. We love her because she’s a proper expedition, often with very little ambient light filtering down. Dropping onto her deck, you’ll find plenty of nooks and crannies already colonised. Conger eels are a common sight, snaking through what’s left of the superstructure. Ling often lurk in the shadows, their long bodies perfectly camouflaged against the encrusted metal. We’d suggest a good torch is non-negotiable here; it really brings out the colours of the anemones and dead man’s fingers that have taken over. The visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the channel, but on a good day, it’s a genuinely atmospheric dive, feeling truly remote down there. She’s a great choice for experienced divers looking for a proper deep wreck hit without the commitment of something huge.
Typical AMIRANTE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
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.
AMIRANTE Wreck History
Year Sunk
1982
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
The story of the AMIRANTE is not one of wartime tragedy, but of a dramatic rescue at sea. In November 1982, the small 10-meter fishing vessel found itself in grave peril off the coast of South West England. The boat sprang a serious leak, and the situation quickly became dire for the three people on board. A distress call was answered, and in a testament to the bravery of rescue crews, a lifeboat successfully reached the foundering vessel and saved all three crew members just before the AMIRANTE slipped beneath the waves for the last time.
Today, the AMIRANTE rests on the seabed at a depth of 40 meters. It is a small target, but a poignant one, offering a very different experience from the larger cargo ships and warships that litter the seabed. This dive is reserved for experienced divers comfortable with depth. Exploring the wreck, one can't help but think of the human drama that unfolded on the surface over 40 years ago, making this a dive that connects you directly to a story of survival.
Nearest Dive Centres to AMIRANTE
Dive shops near AMIRANTE
Dive Beyond Limited
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Divers Down
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Dorset Diving Services
Reviews for AMIRANTE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AMIRANTE
AMIRANTE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AMIRANTE, 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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