ASBORG

The SS Asborg was a Norwegian steam-powered cargo ship built in 1896. For over two decades, she plied the trade routes, a workhorse of the seas. Her career came to a sudden end during the height of World War I, a time when German U-boats prowled the English Channel, creating a perilous gauntlet for Allied and neutral shipping. On January 3, 1918, while on passage, the Asborg was spotted by the German submarine UB-30. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. She sank beneath the waves, becoming another silent casualty of the war at sea.

Today, the Asborg rests at a depth of 27 meters off the coast of Cornwall. The wreck is a fantastic dive, often frequented by local charters. While time and the sea have taken their toll, she remains a recognizable ship. Divers can explore her hull, which is largely intact, and identify key features like her large single boiler and the triple-expansion steam engine. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, with its metal structure providing a home for an abundance of marine life, including schools of bib, pollack, and colorful wrasse. Exploring the Asborg is a journey back in time, offering a tangible connection to the maritime history of WWI.