ANDROMEDA - Cornwall & Devon

The Andromeda is a wreck that really shows its age, and that’s what we love about it. Sunk in 1915, this sailing vessel is less about pristine structure and more about a scatter of history. You'll find it well broken up on the seabed near Killigerran Head, a sprawling field of ribs, plates, and timbers. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at 6m, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in. Our favourite part is poking around the twisted metalwork, imagining the sheer scale of the ship it once was. The remains are well colonised by seaweeds, and you’ll see plenty of crabs scuttling over the debris, with blennies darting into crevices. We’d suggest a calm day for this one; visibility can be a bit challenging if there’s much swell running. It's a fantastic site for newer wreck divers or anyone who appreciates the quiet dignity of an older wreck being reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.149517, -4.987566
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ANDROMEDA

Year Sunk
1915
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
storm
Tonnage
2,888 GRT

The ANDROMEDA was a majestic four-masted steel barque, a powerful relic from the golden age of sail. Built in 1890 in Port Glasgow, she represented the pinnacle of commercial sailing vessel design, capable of carrying huge cargoes across the globe. Her final voyage was a testament to her purpose, having sailed all the way from Tacoma, Washington, laden with a cargo of wheat, and bound for the historic port of Falmouth in Cornwall.

After months at sea and having successfully navigated thousands of miles, the ANDROMEDA was tantalizingly close to her destination. On February 13, 1915, while awaiting the pilot to guide her into Falmouth's safe harbor, a sudden and ferocious southerly gale struck. The wind and waves drove the huge vessel helplessly towards the shore, and she was wrecked upon the rocks of Killigerran Head. In a dramatic rescue, the Falmouth lifeboat battled the storm to save the entire crew from the doomed ship.

Lying in just 6 meters of water, the ANDROMEDA is now one of the most accessible wreck sites in Cornwall. Its shallow depth makes it an ideal location for novice divers, trainees, and even snorkelers. The force of the storm and over a century of wave action have left the wreck completely broken up. Divers can spend a long, relaxed dive exploring the scattered steel plates, ribs, and other remnants of the once-proud ship, which are now encrusted with marine life and provide a home for wrasse, crabs, and lobsters. The ample sunlight at this depth makes it a bright and fascinating introduction to wreck diving.

Marine Protected Area: Carricknath Point to Porthbean Beach

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 ANDROMEDA

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 ANDROMEDA

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 Andromeda Wreck in Albania?
The Andromeda Wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, has a typical depth of 6 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Andromeda Wreck dive site?
Divers exploring the Andromeda Wreck can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a sailing vessel, measuring 82.7m x 12.2m. Sunk in 1915, this historic structure provides an interesting environment for exploration, though specific marine life details are not provided in the current data.
What is the difficulty level of the Andromeda Wreck dive, and is it recommended for advanced divers?
The Andromeda Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While not exclusively for advanced divers, its classification as a 'Dangerous wreck' suggests that divers should possess adequate experience and training to safely navigate its features.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions experienced at the Andromeda Wreck?
Unfortunately, specific data regarding the typical visibility and current conditions at the Andromeda Wreck dive site are not available in the provided context. Divers are always advised to check local conditions with dive operators before planning their dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Andromeda Wreck, particularly for wreck penetration?
While the Andromeda Wreck is an intermediate dive, specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data. For any wreck dive, especially one classified as 'Dangerous,' divers should possess appropriate training and experience, and specialized wreck diving certifications would be essential for any penetration activities.
When is the best time of year to dive the Andromeda Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Andromeda Wreck for optimal conditions. For the most current information on seasonal conditions and to plan your dive effectively, it's always best to consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon.