ASABA (POSSIBLY)(PART OF) - Cornwall & Devon

The Asaba, or what we believe to be parts of her scattered across the seabed, offers a proper deep wreck dive off the Cornish coast. Dropping to 52 metres, this isn't one for the casual diver. We love the challenge here, the sense of exploring something truly lost to time, where the visibility can shift from a decent 10 metres to a moody 2 in a heartbeat. It’s a dive where you feel the cold deep, and your torch beam becomes your entire world. What remains is a steamship swallowed by the sand and the years since 1917. You'll navigate through twisted metal plates, sections of hull, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the twin shafts that once propelled her. Ling and conger eels are common residents, slithering through the darker corners, and crabs scuttle across the rusted steel. Our favourite approach is to take it slow, really scour the debris field; you’re not looking for a single intact vessel but rather a story told in fragments. This site suits experienced divers comfortable with depth and variable conditions, who appreciate the historical weight of a wreck over vibrant coral. It’s a rewarding dive for those who enjoy piecing together the past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.933983, -5.275234
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Wreck History - ASABA (POSSIBLY)(PART OF)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
passenger-cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
993 GRT

The SS Asaba was a passenger-cargo steamship built in 1900 for the prominent Elder Dempster Lines. For 17 years, it plied the trade routes, a product of the golden age of steam. Its service came to a violent end during the height of World War I. On December 6, 1917, while sailing off the coast of Cornwall, the Asaba was spotted by the German U-boat U-101. A single torpedo strike sealed its fate, sending the vessel and its cargo to the seabed.

Today, the remains of the Asaba lie at a challenging depth of 52 meters, placing it firmly in the realm of technical diving. The wreck is broken and scattered, a testament to the force of the explosion and the relentless power of the sea over the last century. Divers who make the descent are rewarded with a haunting piece of WWI history. Exploring the decaying hull, boilers, and machinery offers a direct connection to a dramatic moment in the war at sea, a silent memorial patrolled by conger eels and schools of bib.

Marine Protected Area: Lizard Point

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 ASABA (POSSIBLY)(PART OF)

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 ASABA (POSSIBLY)(PART OF)

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 are the typical diving depths and visibility like at the Asaba dive sites?
The Asaba wreck is found at a depth of 52 meters, making it a deep dive. Information regarding typical visibility at this specific site is not available in the provided data. Divers should be prepared for deep diving conditions when exploring this historic steamship.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater topography can divers expect to encounter when diving in Asaba?
When diving the Asaba, divers can expect to explore the unique underwater topography of a historic steamship wreck. This vessel, measuring 67.1m x 11m, offers an intriguing structure to navigate. Specific details regarding marine life encounters at this site are not available in the current data, but divers can always check the DivePlnr wildlife database for general information on species in the region.
How challenging are the dive sites in Asaba, and are there options suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced divers?
The Asaba wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, primarily due to its depth of 52 meters. This makes it suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in deep diving. While it's an excellent challenge for intermediate divers, beginners may find it too demanding, and the data does not specify options for other skill levels at this particular site.
What is the best time of year to visit Asaba for scuba diving, considering weather, water temperature, and marine life activity?
Information regarding the best time of year to visit the Asaba dive site, including details on weather, water temperature, or marine life activity, is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon sub-region, you might consult our when to dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for exploring the various dive sites around Asaba?
Given the Asaba wreck's depth of 52 meters and its classification as an intermediate dive, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver with a Deep Diver specialty, or equivalent technical diving certifications, are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for managing deep dives safely. Proper equipment for deep diving is also essential.
What are the prevailing currents and general water conditions (e.g., surge, thermoclines) that divers should be aware of in Asaba?
Details regarding prevailing currents, surge, or thermoclines at the Asaba dive site are not specified in the provided data. As with any wreck dive at 52 meters, divers should always consult local dive operators for the most current conditions before planning their dive.