APACHE - Cornwall & Devon

The Apache is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving, even on a day when the visibility isn't playing ball. We've dropped onto her countless times and still find new things to poke around. She was an ex-yacht, then a cargo vessel, going down in 1917. You can really feel that history when you’re finning over her deck. Lying at 36 metres, she’s a good one for advanced divers, particularly if you appreciate an atmospheric dive. We find her structure remarkably intact for her age and exposure. The stern is our favourite spot, often swarming with pollack and bib. Look closely and you'll spot conger eels in the deeper crevices, sometimes just their heads peeking out from a pipe. The bow section is impressive too, often silhouetted against the greener light filtering down. We usually take our time, circumnavigating the wreck slowly to really soak it all in. The sense of scale, even for a wreck of 54 metres, is surprising when you’re down there, tracing her lines. It’s a proper dive, one we always look forward to.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.488033, -2.446917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Wreck History - APACHE

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
630 GRT

The vessel known as the Apache began life as the epitome of Gilded Age luxury. Launched in 1890 as the 'White Heather', she was a magnificent and graceful steam yacht, a symbol of wealth and leisure. With the outbreak of the First World War, her elegant life came to an end. She was requisitioned by the French Navy, renamed Apache, armed, and pressed into service as an auxiliary patrol vessel, tasked with hunting the very U-boats that were terrorizing Allied shipping.

On October 4, 1917, her fate was sealed while on patrol off Start Point, Devon. The hunter became the hunted when she was struck by a torpedo from the German submarine UB-40. The explosion tore through the former yacht, and she sank quickly, taking her crew with her. Today, the Apache sits upright and remarkably intact on the seabed at 36 metres. She is a popular wreck for UK divers, offering a poignant journey through time. Exploring her decks, divers can still make out the elegant lines of the yacht beneath her wartime modifications, a beautiful vessel that was sacrificed in the line of duty.

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 APACHE

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 APACHE

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 'Apache' shipwreck dive site near Portland Bill?
The 'Apache' shipwreck dive site has a maximum depth of 36m. This intermediate wreck dive is located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the 'Apache' dive site?
Divers exploring the 'Apache' wreck can expect to see the remains of a 54.5m x 8.6m barge vessel, originally built as an ex-yacht. Key features include its single boiler and triple expansion engine, which powered its single shaft. For more information on marine life commonly found in UK waters, please consult our database.
How challenging is the 'Apache' dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The 'Apache' dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 36m and intermediate rating, it is not typically suitable for beginner divers. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience for wreck diving at this depth.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive the 'Apache' wreck due to its challenging location?
The provided data for the 'Apache' dive site does not specify the best time of year or particular tidal conditions for diving. However, given its intermediate difficulty and 36m depth, divers should always plan their dive carefully. For general advice on when to dive specific regions, please refer to our comprehensive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the 'Apache' shipwreck?
While specific certifications are not listed in the data, given the 'Apache' shipwreck's 36m depth and intermediate difficulty rating, advanced open water or wreck diving certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess the necessary skills and experience for deeper technical diving and wreck exploration.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the 'Apache' dive site near Portland Bill?
The available data for the 'Apache' dive site does not provide specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip to this intermediate wreck dive should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions.