wreck

Log This Dive

HMSM A3

The A3 holds a special place in British diving history, a poignant story beneath the waves just off the Eddystone Lighthouse. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks with a bit of drama, and this submarine certainly delivers. Sunk not once, but twice, first by collision then by gunfire, she’s now a proper dive at 36 metres. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is her sheer size, 30 metres of history. She lies upright, largely intact, and you can still pick out the conning tower and hatches, even some of the torpedo tubes. What we love about the A3 is how nature has reclaimed her; the steel plates are thick with dead man's fingers, and huge plumose anemones flower in the current. Look closely inside the torpedo tubes – often you’ll spot conger eels peeking out, or even a sleepy dogfish tucked away. It's a proper atmospheric dive, best done on a slack tide to really appreciate her lines, otherwise, that current can certainly make you work for it. This is a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and a bit of a deeper challenge, a true piece of naval heritage given back to the sea.