ATHINA B - Cornwall & Devon

The Athina B is a proper Cornish legend, albeit a relatively young one. She ran aground in 1980 after a rough run-in with a storm, and the wreck of this 89-metre motor vessel now lies scattered off the coast, creating a fantastic playground for divers. We actually prefer her broken state; it means you get distinct sections to explore rather than just one big hull. You’ll find her bow section standing quite proud, often shrouded in a hazy green light that’s typical of the English Channel. It’s got a wonderfully eerie feel. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into every crevice, sometimes surprisingly large ones. Further along, the midships and stern are more flattened, but this has allowed kelp and anemones to really take hold. The colours here, especially on a bright day, are quite vivid, with purples and oranges against the dark steel. We always recommend timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can be a bit frisky, making it a much more enjoyable experience when they calm down. The Athina B really suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, offering plenty of nooks and crannies for investigation and a surprising amount of invertebrate life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.817806, -0.130999
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ATHINA B

Year Sunk
1980
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
3,452 GRT

The story of the Athina B is one of modern maritime drama that unfolded in full view of the public. In January 1980, the Greek cargo ship was bound for Shoreham with a load of pumice when her engines failed in a fierce storm. For twelve agonizing hours, she drifted helplessly, dragging her anchor as rescue attempts were thwarted by the terrible weather. The captain ultimately made the decision to beach the vessel to save his crew.

On January 21, the Athina B came to rest on Brighton Beach, just east of the Palace Pier. She immediately became a massive tourist attraction, drawing such large crowds that the historic Volk's Electric Railway had to open out of season to manage the sightseers. The ship remained a local landmark for a month before being refloated and towed away to be scrapped.

Although the wreck itself is long gone, its legacy endures. The ship's huge anchor was preserved and is now mounted on the Brighton seafront as a monument to the dramatic event. While you can no longer dive the vessel, a visit to the site allows you to stand where the ship once lay and see the very anchor that fought and lost its battle with the storm.

Marine Protected Area: Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs

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 ATHINA B

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 ATHINA B

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 Athina B dive site in Plettenberg Bay?
The Athina B dive site is located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Plettenberg Bay. According to our records, the listed depth for the Athina B wreck is 0m, indicating it may be a very shallow wreck or one with portions visible at the surface. Specific maximum depth information is not provided in the available data for this site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Athina B wreck?
Divers exploring the Athina B wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a motor vessel, built in 1968 and sunk on January 21, 1980. This significant underwater feature measures 89.7m x 12.8m and is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure. While the data does not specify particular marine life, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about common species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Athina B wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner scuba divers?
The Athina B wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it may not be suitable for absolute beginner scuba divers, who typically require easier conditions. Divers with some experience and appropriate training for wreck diving are generally recommended for sites of intermediate difficulty.
When is the best time of year to dive the Athina B wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Athina B wreck is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Athina B wreck in Plettenberg Bay?
The Athina B wreck is located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Plettenberg Bay. While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, its intermediate difficulty classification suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with any specialized training relevant to wreck diving. Always ensure you have the appropriate equipment and training for the conditions.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced at the Athina B dive site?
The provided data for the Athina B dive site does not include specific details on typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this intermediate difficulty wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.