ANNA SOFIE - Cornwall & Devon

Dive the Anna Sofie off the Lizard and you’re dropping onto a piece of maritime history. This 97-metre steamship, sunk in 1918, lies upright and mostly intact at 38 metres. We love how the visibility, often a good 15 to 20 metres on a calm day, lets you appreciate her scale as you descend through the green-blue. You’ll hit the main deck first, then the bridge, before gliding over the cargo holds which are now home to conger eels and squat lobsters tucked into every nook. Our favourite part is the engine room, surprisingly accessible if you’re comfortable with overhead environments. Peer inside and you can still make out the triple expansion engine, now draped in dead man's fingers and jewelled anemones. The twin boilers are massive, a real sense of industrial power frozen in time. This site suits experienced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and potential currents; pick a slack water dive for the best experience and take your time exploring.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.528880, -5.135769
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Wreck History - ANNA SOFIE

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
2,557 GRT

Built in 1896 by the renowned Ropner & Sons shipyard in Stockton-on-Tees, the vessel began its life as the *Vera*. Over the next two decades, it changed hands and names several times, becoming the *S. Anargyros* and then the *Theologos* before finally being named *Anna Sofie* under the ownership of W. M. France, Fenwick & Co. Ltd. This 2,557-ton steamship was a typical workhorse of its era, plying the vital trade routes of Europe with various bulk cargoes.

During the height of World War I, the *Anna Sofie* was on a crucial voyage, transporting a full load of iron ore from Bilbao, Spain, to Middlesbrough. On July 23, 1918, as it steamed through the English Channel, it was spotted by the German submarine UB-112. A single torpedo struck the vessel five miles east of Start Point, sealing its fate. The ship sank quickly, tragically taking six of her crew with her to the seabed.

Today, the wreck of the *Anna Sofie* lies upright on a sandy bottom at a depth of around 38 meters. The bow remains relatively intact, but the midships section, where the torpedo hit, is heavily damaged and has collapsed. The two large boilers stand proud of the wreckage, providing a key landmark for divers exploring the site. The wreck is a haven for marine life, with schools of bib, pollack, and large conger eels often found sheltering within the decaying hull. It's a poignant dive that serves as a tangible link to the perils of WWI maritime trade.

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 ANNA SOFIE

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 ANNA SOFIE

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 maximum depth of the Anna Sofie dive site?
The Anna Sofie dive site reaches a maximum depth of 38 meters. This makes it a fascinating dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Anna Sofie?
Divers exploring the Anna Sofie wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a 97.5m x 13.4m steam ship, built in 1896. Key features include its two boilers and a triple expansion engine, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not available in our current data.
How challenging is diving the Anna Sofie wreck, considering its depth and currents?
Diving the Anna Sofie is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, primarily due to its maximum depth of 38 meters. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," which implies potential hazards that divers should be aware of. Specific details regarding typical current conditions are not provided in the available data.
When is the best time to dive the Anna Sofie wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time to dive the Anna Sofie wreck for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to safely dive the Anna Sofie shipwreck?
Given the Anna Sofie wreck's maximum depth of 38 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically need an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving training is also highly recommended for safely exploring such sites, especially considering its "Dangerous wreck" classification.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Anna Sofie dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Anna Sofie dive site. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information before planning their dive.