AUGUSTE AND LOUISE - Cornwall & Devon

The Auguste and Louise, a brigantine that went down in 1890, sits comfortably at 17 metres, making it a proper afternoon dive for most recreational divers. We love a wreck that doesn't demand technical skills but still delivers a real sense of history. She's spread out a bit now, as you'd expect after over a century on the seabed, but you can still pick out the ribs of her hull and parts of the wooden decking. It’s not one of those intact wrecks you swim through, more of an archaeological treasure hunt, but that’s precisely what makes it fascinating. The marine life here has truly made itself at home. Look closely among the timbers and you'll find plenty of spider crabs scuttling about, and conger eels often peek out from beneath collapsed sections of the hull. The light can be a bit dappled down there, even on a sunny day, which only adds to the atmosphere. We’d suggest going at slack water, as currents in this area can pick up, making it easier to really take your time examining the details of the wreck and the critters living on it. This site is brilliant for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle beauty of a historical vessel slowly reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.419556, -2.660500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - AUGUSTE AND LOUISE

Year Sunk
1890
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

A relic from the age of sail, the Auguste and Louise was a brigantine, a two-masted sailing vessel common in the 19th century. These versatile ships were the workhorses of the sea, carrying cargo across coastal and international waters. On April 7, 1890, the Auguste and Louise met its end in the notoriously tricky waters of the Channel Islands, sinking between Le Tielles and Pleinmont.

Lying at a depth of 17 meters, this wreck is perfectly situated for Open Water certified divers. Exploring a vessel from the 1800s is a unique experience, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era of maritime history. While over a century of immersion means the wooden hull is long gone, divers can still discover durable artifacts like anchors, chain, ballast stones, and perhaps pieces of cargo that tell the story of its final voyage. The wreck's 'Dangerous' classification warns divers that the remaining structure is broken and scattered, demanding careful navigation.

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 AUGUSTE AND LOUISE

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 AUGUSTE AND LOUISE

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