HMS ANNIE SMITH - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Annie Smith sits deep, down at 44 meters, making it a proper technical dive and one of our favourites for a solid deco schedule. She's a steam drifter, sunk in 1918 after a collision, and what we love about her is how intact she remains. You can still make out the bow, the stern, and even some of the deck machinery, all draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones that sway gently in the current. The visibility here can be decent on a good day, but it’s still the English Channel, so prepare for that cooler, greener light. Exploring the Annie Smith feels like stepping back in time; we often find ourselves imagining the bustling deck before her final moments. Look out for conger eels peering from dark corners and the occasional monkfish camouflaged against the hull plates. This site is for experienced divers who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't afraid of a bit of depth and a proper decompression obligation. Go on a slack tide for the best chance to really explore the structure without fighting a push.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.133827, -4.501125
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

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 HMS ANNIE SMITH

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 HMS ANNIE SMITH

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