ANNA SOPHIE

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.