ARISTOS

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Beachy Head West

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ARISTOS offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 56m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.

Typical ARISTOS Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Maximum depth 56m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:1717:1911h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:35

ARISTOS Wreck History

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.