ANTONIO (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Let's be clear, it's called ANTONIO (PROBABLY) for a reason. Pinpointing exact wreck identities in these waters is often a best guess, but that’s part of the adventure, isn't it? We love this wreck for its sheer scale and the journey it offers into early 20th-century maritime history. Dropping onto the deck at 53 metres, you're immediately struck by the robust engineering of a 1905 steamship. The twin boilers are a particular highlight, still impressively intact, hinting at the immense power that once drove this 95-metre vessel. The real beauty here lies in the exploration. We’ve spent many dives tracing the outline of her massive hull, imagining the cargo holds filled with goods. The triple-expansion engine is still discernable, a ghostly monument to its working days. Visibility, as always in the UK, can be variable, but when it’s good, the light penetrating from above creates dramatic shafts through the superstructure. Conger eels are often found tucked into nooks and crannies, and dead man’s fingers coral grows in thick, creamy blankets across the metalwork. This site is a serious technical dive, demanding experience and good gas planning. Go with a local guide; their knowledge of the tides and potential currents is invaluable. It’s a dive that rewards patience and a keen eye for detail.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.258200, -3.485467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Wreck History - ANTONIO (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,101 GRT

The SS Antonio was a British steamship built in 1905 by J. Blumer & Co. in Sunderland for the Egypt & Levant Steamship Co. For over a decade, she served as a typical merchant vessel of her era, transporting goods across the globe. Her fate was sealed during the height of World War I, when Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign turned the seas into a battlefield for civilian and military ships alike.

On March 7, 1917, the Antonio was on a voyage from Alexandria, Egypt, to Hull, carrying a cargo of cotton seed. While navigating the English Channel about 10 miles east of Start Point, she was spotted and torpedoed by the German submarine UC-48. The attack was swift and devastating, sinking the ship and tragically claiming the lives of 14 of her crew members.

Today, the wreck identified as the Antonio rests at a challenging depth of 53 meters, making it a dive reserved for experienced technical and trimix divers. The vessel is broken but substantial sections remain, including her two large boilers and the triple-expansion engine, which stand proud of the seabed. The strong currents of the channel demand respect and careful planning, but for those qualified to make the descent, the Antonio offers a poignant and fascinating glimpse into the maritime toll of the Great War.

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 ANTONIO (PROBABLY)

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 ANTONIO (PROBABLY)

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