ANNA SOPHIE - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the Anna Sophie is like entering a time capsule, a huge steamship frozen in 33 metres since 1918. We love how intact she feels despite the years, her massive boilers still looming, a stark reminder of her power. Swimming through the superstructure, you can almost feel the presence of the crew, and the sheer scale of the 97.5-metre hull is impressive. Shoals of bib and pollack dart through the shadowy interior, while plump conger eels peer out from behind twisted metal, their eyes glinting in your torch beam. This wreck is perfect for experienced divers who appreciate history and enjoy exploring a substantial, well-preserved site, though the currents can be lively, so pick your slack water window carefully.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.532715, -5.108267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Wreck History - ANNA SOPHIE

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 Sophie* 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 Sophie* 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 Sophie* lies upright on a sandy bottom at a depth of around 33 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 SOPHIE

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 SOPHIE

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

How deep is the Anna Sofie wreck dive, and what is its maximum depth?
The Anna Sofie wreck dive has a maximum depth of 33 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations in the United Kingdom.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the Anna Sofie wreck?
The Anna Sofie is a historical steam ship vessel, sunk on July 23, 1918, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime history. Divers can expect to explore its structure, including two boilers and a triple expansion engine, remnants of its past as a 97.5m x 13.4m cargo ship. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about general marine life at our wildlife database.
Is the Anna Sofie wreck considered a difficult dive, and what skill level or certifications are recommended?
The Anna Sofie wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, making it suitable for divers with some experience. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," which implies that divers should possess appropriate training and comfort with wreck diving techniques and potential hazards. For exploring this fascinating site in Cornwall & Devon, advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver specialties are highly recommended.
When is the best time of year or day to dive the Anna Sofie wreck for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the Anna Sofie wreck does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions. We recommend checking local dive operator reports or consulting a dive guide in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on visibility and currents. For general guidance on dive planning, you can visit our when to dive section.
What specific scuba diving certifications are required to explore the Anna Sofie wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated in our data, given the Anna Sofie's intermediate difficulty and "Dangerous wreck" classification, divers should possess certifications beyond entry-level. An Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended for dives to 33 meters, and a Wreck Diver specialty course would be highly beneficial for safely exploring this historic steamship. Always consult with a local dive center in the United Kingdom for the most current requirements.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions divers can expect at the Anna Sofie dive site?
Our available data for the Anna Sofie dive site does not include specific details on typical visibility or current conditions. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather and tides in the Cornwall & Devon area. It is always best to consult with local dive operators or guides immediately before your dive for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the site.