Dive Sites off the Sussex Coast
Dive Sites and Wrecks on the Sussex Coast
Easy Dive Sites Off Sussex for Novice Divers
Indiana Wreck
The Indiana is located roughly one mile out to see from Worthing Pier. It rests in 8-10m of water depending on the tide. The Indiana was a British steam ship returning from Sicily with its cargo of lemons or oranges (although these have long since gone). She sank due to a collision with a German steam ship called the Washington who survived the crash while on her journey to New York.
This is one of our most frequently dive wrecks as it is perfect for novice and experienced divers. It has bags of marine life including large schools of Bib and Whiting, congor eels, crabs and shell fish. A great way to enter the world of UK sea diving.
There’s not much left of the structure of the Indiana as the tides have flattened much of it.
South West Rocks
Located off the coast of Shoreham in Sussex, South West Rocks is a premier dive site that offers an unforgettable underwater experience for scuba divers. This site is renowned for its diverse marine life and intriguing underwater topography, making it a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.
South West Rocks lies at a depth of around 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet), making it accessible for divers of various skill levels, from beginners to advanced. The underwater landscape features a series of rocky outcrops and ledges, creating a natural habitat for a variety of marine species. Divers can expect to encounter an abundance of sea life, including lobsters, crabs, and a myriad of fish species such as bass, pollock, and wrasse. The nooks and crannies of the rocks are often filled with colorful anemones and soft corals, adding to the visual spectacle.
In addition to the vibrant marine life, South West Rocks is also known for its excellent visibility, which typically ranges from 5 to 10 meters. This clarity allows divers to fully appreciate the intricate details of the underwater environment. Whether you are looking to explore the fascinating marine ecosystems or simply enjoy a relaxing dive, South West Rocks offers something for everyone.
The Pentrych
Off the coast of Sussex lies the wreck of the SS Pentrych, a captivating dive site rich in history and marine life. The Pentrych, a British steamship built in 1916, was torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I in 1918. Today, it rests at a depth of approximately 20 meters (66 feet), offering an accessible and intriguing underwater adventure for scuba divers.
The wreck of the Pentrych is largely intact, providing divers with a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century maritime history. As you descend to the wreck, you’ll first notice the ship’s substantial hull, still recognizable despite over a century beneath the waves. The structure is encrusted with marine growth, creating a vibrant artificial reef teeming with life.
Divers can explore various sections of the ship, including the engine room, cargo holds, and deck areas. These spaces are often inhabited by a variety of marine species, such as conger eels, lobsters, and schools of fish like pollock and wrasse. The wreck’s surfaces are adorned with colorful anemones and soft corals, adding to the site’s allure.
Visibility at the Pentrych site typically ranges from 5 to 10 meters, allowing for good exploration opportunities. The relatively shallow depth and moderate currents make it suitable for divers with intermediate experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a marine life lover, the Pentrych wreck promises an enriching and memorable diving experience.
DEEPER RECREATIONAL DIVES FOR ADVANCED OPEN WATER 35 Dives+
SS Oceana
Often referred to as the ‘Titanic of Sussex’ due to her size. The Ocean was a huge P&O passenger liner that sank on 16th March 1912. She was 468 foot long, a beam of 52ft and weighed over 6,000 tons. She was built in 1888 and was then a state of the art ship to ferry passengers around the world in comfort. She collided with another ship called the Pisagna which was a 2,850 ton German 4 masted steel ship.
A Glimpse into the Past
The SS Oceana, a once-majestic passenger liner, met its tragic end off the coast of Brighton, England, creating one of the most fascinating dive sites in the UK. Launched in 1887, the Oceana was constructed by the eminent Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, the same shipyard that would later build the ill-fated RMS Titanic. This iron-hulled vessel, originally commissioned by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), was designed to serve the route between England, India, and Australia, carrying both passengers and cargo.
On March 16, 1912, while en route from London to Bombay, the SS Oceana collided with the Pisagua, a German barque, near Beachy Head. The collision resulted in a significant gash on Oceana’s hull, leading to a rapid intake of water. Despite the crew’s valiant efforts, the Oceana sank, taking nine lives and a substantial amount of gold and silver bullion with her. This tragic incident occurred just one month before the Titanic disaster, casting a shadow over maritime travel during that period.
The Wreck’s Resting Place
Today, the SS Oceana rests at a depth of around 24 meters (approximately 79 feet) beneath the waves of the English Channel. The wreck lies on its starboard side, creating an intriguing underwater landscape for divers. The remnants of the ship span about 152 meters (500 feet) in length, offering a vast area for exploration.
The relatively shallow depth of the wreck makes it accessible to a wide range of divers, from intermediate to advanced levels. However, the challenging conditions of the English Channel, including strong currents and variable visibility, require divers to have good buoyancy control and experience in handling such environments.
A Diver’s Paradise
The SS Oceana wreck has earned a reputation as one of the top dive sites in the UK, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. Its allure lies not just in its historical significance but also in the vibrant marine life and structural features that it harbours.
Marine Life
The wreck has become an artificial reef over the years, attracting a diverse array of marine species. Divers can encounter conger eels, lobsters, crabs, and an assortment of fish, including bass and pollock. The encrusting corals and sea anemones add a splash of color to the otherwise muted tones of the shipwreck, creating a captivating underwater scene.
Exploration Opportunities
The structural integrity of the SS Oceana has remained relatively intact, allowing for a range of exploratory dives. Divers can swim through various sections of the ship, including the holds and parts of the superstructure. The presence of the ship’s machinery and remnants of its cargo provides a tangible connection to its storied past. The sections where the ship broke apart due to the collision offer fascinating views and insights into the force of the impact.
Safety Considerations
While the SS Oceana wreck is accessible, divers must be mindful of the conditions. The English Channel is known for its strong tidal currents, which can make navigation challenging. It’s advisable to dive during slack tide when the currents are at their weakest. Visibility can vary greatly, ranging from a few meters to over 10 meters on a good day. Given these factors, divers are encouraged to dive with a local guide or as part of an organized trip with an experienced dive operator.
Conclusion
The SS Oceana wreck off Brighton is more than just a dive site; it’s a journey into maritime history and an underwater adventure teeming with marine life. Its accessibility, combined with the challenges posed by the English Channel, makes it an exhilarating experience for those looking to explore one of the UK’s most captivating underwater treasures. Whether you’re a history buff, a marine enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, the SS Oceana promises a dive that you won’t soon forget.
Fortuna Wreck
A Historical Voyage
The Fortuna, a steam-powered cargo ship, now lies silently beneath the waves off the coast of Brighton, England. Originally launched in 1901, the Fortuna was built by Richardson, Duck & Company in Stockton-on-Tees. This sturdy vessel was designed to transport various goods across the treacherous waters of the North Sea and the English Channel.
The Fortuna met her fate on February 8, 1916, during World War I. While en route from London to the River Tyne, the ship struck a mine laid by the German submarine UC-5. The explosion was catastrophic, and the Fortuna sank rapidly, taking with it valuable cargo and tragically resulting in the loss of six crew members. This wartime tragedy left an indelible mark on maritime history, contributing to the perilous narrative of sea travel during the Great War.
The Wreck’s Resting Place
Today, the wreck of the Fortuna rests at a depth of approximately 20 meters (about 66 feet) beneath the surface of the English Channel. The ship lies on her port side, stretching roughly 73 meters (240 feet) in length. This moderate depth and the wreck’s orientation create an accessible and intriguing dive site for scuba enthusiasts.
The Fortuna’s relatively shallow resting place makes it suitable for a range of divers, from beginners to advanced. However, as with all dives in the English Channel, divers must be prepared to navigate through strong currents and variable visibility conditions.
A Diver’s Haven
The Fortuna wreck is renowned for its rich history, structural beauty, and thriving marine ecosystem. It has become a favoured spot for divers seeking both historical exploration and underwater adventure.
Marine Life
The wreck of the Fortuna has evolved into a vibrant artificial reef, drawing an array of marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of fish such as pollock, wrasse, and bass, darting around the structure. The wreck is also home to lobsters, crabs, and the occasional conger eel lurking in the crevices. The encrusting marine flora, including sponges and sea anemones, add splashes of colour and life to the ship’s remnants.
Exploration Opportunities
The Fortuna offers an extensive playground for exploration. Divers can navigate through various parts of the wreck, including the cargo holds, sections of the deck, and the engine room. The ship’s structural features, such as its boiler and winches, are still discernible, providing a tangible connection to its operational past. The wreck’s orientation and the presence of large, open areas make it relatively easy to explore, even for less experienced divers.
Safety Considerations
While the Fortuna wreck is accessible, safety remains paramount. The English Channel is notorious for its strong tidal currents, which can make diving challenging. It is best to dive during slack tide, when the currents are at their weakest, to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. Visibility can vary significantly, ranging from a few meters to over 10 meters on a clear day, so divers should be prepared for changing conditions. As always, diving with a local guide or an experienced dive operator is highly recommended to navigate the site safely.
Conclusion
The Fortuna wreck off Brighton is a hidden gem for scuba divers, offering a unique blend of historical intrigue and underwater beauty. Its moderate depth and accessible structure make it an inviting site for divers of varying experience levels. The combination of marine life, historical remnants, and the thrill of exploration makes diving the Fortuna a captivating adventure. For those seeking to delve into the depths of maritime history while experiencing the wonders of the underwater world, the Fortuna promises an unforgettable dive.
Alalunia
The Alunia, once a proud steam-powered cargo vessel, now rests peacefully beneath the waters off the coast of Brighton, England. Built in 1918 by J. L. Thompson & Sons in Sunderland, this ship was initially constructed for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company. The Alunia, with its robust design and powerful steam engines, served primarily as a cargo transporter, navigating the often perilous waters of the North Sea and the English Channel.
On January 13, 1923, while en route from London to Hull with a cargo of coal, the Alunia encountered a severe storm. Buffeted by the relentless winds and towering waves, the ship ultimately succumbed to the ferocity of the elements and sank. Fortunately, the crew managed to abandon the ship and were rescued, but the Alunia was lost to the depths, where it has since become a haven for marine life and a fascinating site for divers.
The Wreck’s Resting Place
The wreck of the Alunia lies at a depth of around 27 meters (approximately 89 feet), making it accessible to a wide range of divers. The ship, which measured 82 meters (about 270 feet) in length, lies relatively intact on the seabed, providing a substantial area for exploration.
A Diver’s Delight
The Alunia wreck has garnered a reputation as an excellent dive site, combining historical significance, structural intrigue, and a thriving marine ecosystem. Here’s why it’s a must-visit for scuba diving enthusiasts:
Marine Life
Over the years, the wreck of the Alunia has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, such as wrasse, pollock, and bass, along with crustaceans like lobsters and crabs. The wreck is also adorned with encrusting sponges, sea anemones, and soft corals, creating a colorful and dynamic underwater landscape.
Exploration Opportunities
The Alunia offers ample opportunities for underwater exploration. The ship’s relatively intact structure allows divers to navigate through different sections, including the cargo holds, deck areas, and the engine room. Key features such as the ship’s boilers, winches, and remnants of its cargo are still visible, providing a tangible connection to its historical past. The wreck’s orientation on the seabed makes it relatively easy to explore, with numerous entry and exit points for divers to utilize.
Safety Considerations
While the Alunia wreck is accessible to a wide range of divers, safety should always be a top priority. The English Channel is known for its strong tidal currents, which can pose challenges even for experienced divers. It is advisable to dive during slack tide, when the currents are at their weakest, to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. Visibility can vary, with conditions ranging from a few meters to over 10 meters on a clear day. As with all wreck dives, it’s recommended to dive with a local guide or an experienced dive operator who is familiar with the site and its conditions.
Conclusion
The Alunia wreck off Brighton is a captivating dive site that offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and underwater beauty. Its moderate depth and relatively intact structure make it an inviting site for divers of varying experience levels. The combination of rich marine life, historical remnants, and the thrill of exploration makes diving the Alunia an unforgettable adventure. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a marine life lover, or an adventure seeker, the Alunia promises an enriching and exhilarating dive. For those looking to delve into the depths of maritime history and explore the wonders of the underwater world, the Alunia wreck is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.