USS SUSAN B ANTHONY - Cornwall & Devon

The USS Susan B. Anthony, lost during the D-Day landings, is a properly impressive wreck. Lying in just 24 metres, she’s huge, 147 metres long, and you feel that scale as you descend onto the bow or stern. We love how intact she remains; you can still make out the superstructure, the cargo holds, and even the davits where lifeboats once hung. There’s a real sense of history here, a palpable quiet that settles as you drift past twisted metal and the shadows it casts. What you'll experience is a deep connection to a pivotal moment in history. Schools of pollack often swirl around the masts, their silver bodies flashing in the ambient light. Inside the holds, conger eels lurk, peering out from beneath collapsed decks, while colourful jewel anemones colonise every available surface. It's a wreck dive that appeals to those who appreciate historical context as much as the marine life that has made it home. We’d suggest diving this on a slack tide for the best visibility, allowing you to really take in the sheer size of her.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.490500, -0.714500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

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 USS SUSAN B ANTHONY

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 USS SUSAN B ANTHONY

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 of the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck for divers?
The maximum depth for divers exploring the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck is 24 meters. This depth makes it accessible for divers with appropriate training for intermediate-level wreck dives.
What historical features and marine life can divers expect to encounter on the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck?
The USS Susan B. Anthony is a fascinating steam ship vessel, built in 1930 and sunk on June 7, 1944, during the D-Day landings while employed as a troop carrier. Divers can explore its impressive dimensions of 147.3m x 19.5m and observe the remains of its turbo-electric engines. The provided data does not specify details about marine life, but the wreck itself offers a unique glimpse into maritime history.
Is the USS Susan B. Anthony considered a difficult dive, and what is its technical rating?
The USS Susan B. Anthony is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While not considered a highly technical dive, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" indicates that divers should approach it with caution and appropriate training for wreck environments.
What are the typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, at the USS Susan B. Anthony dive site off Normandy?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical water conditions such as currents or visibility at the USS Susan B. Anthony dive site. It is important to note that the wreck is located off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not off Normandy. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their trip.
What diving certifications are necessary or highly recommended for diving the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck?
Given the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 24 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. Additionally, specialized wreck diving training would be beneficial to safely navigate and appreciate this historic site.
When is the best time of year to dive the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the USS Susan B. Anthony wreck for optimal conditions. For current information on seasonal conditions and the best time to visit, it's advisable to consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon. You can also explore general when to dive resources for the region.