ARISTOS - Cornwall & Devon

The Aristos isn't one for a quick splash. She’s a deep dive, down at 56 metres, and absolutely worth the effort for those with the training. What we love about her is the sheer scale – 136 metres long, broken but still impressively intact in parts. Dropping onto her deck in the often-murky Cornish water, you get a real sense of her sudden end back in 1967. We always approach the bridge section first; it's heavily collapsed but still identifiable, often draped in fishing nets, home to some seriously big conger eels. Further aft, you’ll find the engine room, penetration here is for the highly experienced and requires meticulous planning. The holds are generally open, offering good swim-throughs where you might spot some hefty pollack darting between the frames. Our favourite detail is the stern, often standing a little prouder, where the propeller shaft is a great spot to look for squat lobsters and the occasional anglerfish tucked into a crevice. Visibility varies wildly here. We’ve had days where you can see a good 10-15 metres, and others where it's a true torch dive. It’s always dark, even on a sunny day. This is a cold water, technical dive, best suited for advanced trimix divers comfortable with long decompression. For those who can get there, it’s a proper piece of history on the seabed, now fully reclaimed by the ocean.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.580800, -0.087650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Wreck History - ARISTOS

Year Sunk
1967
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
5,160 GRT

The Aristos was a Greek steamship built in 1939 by William Hamilton & Co. in Port Glasgow, Scotland. For nearly three decades, this resilient vessel served as a cargo carrier, transporting goods across European waters. By 1967, she was owned by the Argo (Hellas) Shipping Company and continued her workhorse duties in the post-war shipping boom.

On August 28, 1967, the Aristos was navigating the busy English Channel, en route from Piraeus, Greece, to Antwerp, Belgium, with a heavy cargo of ore. In the dense shipping lanes, tragedy struck when she collided with the German motor vessel Dortmund. The damage from the impact was catastrophic, and the Aristos quickly began to take on water and sink. While 22 of her crew were rescued from the cold channel waters, one life was tragically lost in the incident.

Today, the Aristos lies at a depth of 56 meters, approximately 25 miles off Start Point. This is a challenging technical dive, reserved for experienced trimix divers due to the depth and the potentially strong currents of the English Channel. The wreck is reported to be largely intact and sitting upright on the seabed, offering a formidable and atmospheric sight for those qualified to make the descent into the deep, dark water.

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 ARISTOS

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 ARISTOS

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 typical depth range for diving at Aristos Reef?
The Aristos dive site, a fascinating steam ship wreck, is found at a depth of 56 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for experienced divers. The wreck itself, measuring 136.2m x 17.1m, rests at this significant depth.
What marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Aristos Reef?
The Aristos site is primarily a historical wreck, a steam ship that sank in 1967 following a collision. Divers can explore the impressive dimensions of this vessel, which is 136.2m long and 17.1m wide. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
Is Aristos Reef considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Aristos wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Given its depth of 56 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. This site is best enjoyed by divers with appropriate training and experience for deep wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive Aristos Reef for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Aristos wreck, such as specific seasons for better visibility or calmer currents, is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive planning, you might consult our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for Aristos Reef?
Given that the Aristos wreck is an intermediate difficulty dive site with a depth of 56 meters, it is recommended for experienced divers. While specific certification names are not provided, divers should possess certifications that qualify them for deep diving and potentially wreck diving. It's crucial to have the necessary training and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Aristos Reef?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Aristos wreck are not specified in the provided data. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive to this site.