ATLAS (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Atlas, or what we’re pretty sure is the Atlas, sits upright at 40 metres, a proper deep dive that’ll test your gas planning. We love a good mystery, and the identity of this wreck has kept local divers guessing for years, adding a cool layer of intrigue to an already impressive site. She’s a decent sized steamship, 66 metres long, and while the superstructure is largely gone, her bones are still very much there, laid out on the seabed. You’ll drop down onto the bow, often seeing some impressive conger eels poking out from the plates. Moving aft, the single boiler is a real focal point, and the triple expansion engine stands proud, a ghostly monument to a bygone era of steam. The visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the Channel, but when it’s good, you can make out the scale of the wreck from above, schools of pouting swarming the deck like a living cloud. Our advice? Hit this on a slack tide, obviously, but also look for a day with minimal surface chop – that’ll make the whole descent and ascent a lot more comfortable. It’s a dive for those comfortable with depth and who appreciate a proper historical wreck, not just the critters, though the critters are certainly here.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.577070, -0.549333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - ATLAS (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,173 GRT

Built in Frederikstad, Norway, in 1896, the steamship Atlas was a Norwegian vessel pressed into service for the Allied cause during World War I. By 1917, she was operating under the control of the British Shipping Controller, a wartime measure to manage merchant shipping. On November 13, 1917, while navigating the English Channel off the coast of Cornwall, she crossed paths with the German U-boat UC-51. The resulting torpedo attack was swift and fatal.

Today, the wreck of the Atlas rests at 40 metres, making it an excellent deep air or entry-level trimix dive. Located in an area rich with maritime history, the wreck is a popular site for local divers. Its modest size allows for a comprehensive tour on a single dive, where explorers can identify key features like its single boiler and triple-expansion engine. The Atlas offers a compelling and accessible window into the relentless U-boat campaign that defined the war at sea.

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 ATLAS (PROBABLY)

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 ATLAS (PROBABLY)

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 and average depth of the Atlas dive site?
The Atlas dive site has a maximum depth of 40 meters. The average depth for this specific site is not provided in our current data.
What marine life and historical wreck features can divers expect to see at the Atlas site?
Divers exploring the Atlas wreck can expect to see the remains of a 66.1m x 10.1m steam ship vessel, built in 1896. Key historical features include its single boiler, triple expansion engine of 101HP, and single shaft. Details regarding specific marine life at this site are not available in our current information.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Atlas wreck, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Atlas wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 40 meters and intermediate rating, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers.
When is the best time of year to dive the Atlas wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Atlas wreck for optimal conditions is not available in our current dataset. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the Atlas wreck?
Given the Atlas wreck's maximum depth of 40 meters and intermediate difficulty, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical visibility, currents, and water conditions at the Atlas dive site?
Specific details regarding the typical visibility, currents, and water conditions at the Atlas dive site are not provided in our current data context. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning their dive.