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