AXWELL
Protected Area
Selsey, East Beach
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - AXWELL offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Axwell* is one of those wrecks that just hits differently. Sitting upright at 45m, she’s a big steamship, sunk in 1917, and you really get a sense of her scale as you descend through the green Cornish water. We love the way she’s mostly intact; you can really make out the bow and stern, and the midships section with its two large boilers is always a highlight. This isn’t a wreck for beginners, the depth and potential for strong currents demand experience, but for those with the right skills, it’s a proper expedition. We’ve spent many a dive finning along her decks, spotting conger eels tucked into shadowy corners and legions of squat lobsters clinging to every surface. The visibility can be temperamental, shifting from 20m on a good day to a soupy 5m, but even in murkier conditions, her sheer size still impresses. Look out for huge bib shoals hovering just off the wreck – they often form a shimmering cloud against the hull. Our tip: aim for a slack tide dive; it makes exploring the holds and superstructure much more comfortable. It’s a cold dive, even in summer, so drysuits are essential.
Typical AXWELL Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 45m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AXWELL Wreck History
Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,442 GRT
The SS Axwell was a British steam collier built in 1909, serving the vital role of transporting coal during the height of World War I. Owned by the Broomhill Collieries, she spent her career ferrying this crucial resource to fuel the British war effort. Her fate was sealed on November 13, 1917, while on a voyage from Barry to the naval base at Scapa Flow with a full cargo of coal.
In the treacherous waters of the English Channel, the Axwell was spotted by the German submarine UC-75. Without warning, a torpedo struck the vessel, sealing its doom. The ship sank quickly, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the era. The Axwell went down with the loss of one of her crew members.
Today, the wreck of the Axwell rests at a depth of 45 metres. As a deeper dive, she is a target for experienced divers who are rewarded with the sight of a classic WWI freighter. Although time and the currents have caused significant collapse, her two large boilers and triple-expansion engine stand proud of the seabed, providing a clear focal point. The surrounding wreckage is a haven for marine life, with shoals of fish and large crustaceans making their home in the debris field.
Nearest Dive Centres to AXWELL
Dive shops near AXWELL
Sussex Diving & Leisure
Mulberry Marine Experiences CIC
Abyss Scuba School
In2 Diving
Ocean View
Reviews for AXWELL
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AXWELL
AXWELL Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AXWELL, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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