This is one of the most famous and regularly dived wrecks in the UK. She was a 440 foot long, 7500 ton American Liberty ship which was torpedoed by German U-Boat U1195, while on convoy on route from South Wales to Ghent. She was carrying US Navy stores, plus a cargo of military motor boats and also timber (much of which has been salvaged). She sank on the 21st March 1945 and now lies upright on a sandy seabed in Whitesand Bay, just to the west of Plymouth.
Her Captain had attempted to nurse her back towards Plymouth following the attack, but was not permitted entry so instead attempted to beach her in Whitesand Bay. Before he could do so, she sank just a mile short, in approximately 21 metres of water. Her stern section broke off and lies approximately 20 metres away.
This is a classic dive, suitable for both the seasoned diver and the less experienced. Her bow lies 10 metres above the seabed and the wreck is home to an abundance of marine life including John Dory, Pollack, Bass (corkwing and ballan), Bib, Tompot Blennies, anemones and soft corals. Appearances have been made by Squid and even Sunfish. There are a number of endangered pink sea fans and if you are lucky (or unlucky), you may spot the odd conger or two!
Vital Statistics
Length: 120 metres
Max Depth: 24 metres
Depth to deck: max 9 metres at bow, 16 metres over main deck
Viz: 1 - 20 metres
Orientation:
Upright. Stern points out to sea. The stern section lies approximately 20 metres off the post side, from the rubble area at the rear of the main section. It is harder to find and therefore dived less often.
Buoy Lines:
There is one chain line at the bow with a 5 gallon drum full of air attached halfway up, to keep the lower part of the chain from snagging. Please do not tamper with this or moor off the attached orange buoy. Use the chains, keeping one hand on it, as currents do sometimes run quite fast at the surface.
Location Of Buoys:
Located near to the bow, about 3 feet back on the starboard side. This can often become quite congested with divers. A delayed SMB is mandatory equipment for this dive.
Wreck Penetrations:
Not really possible since the majority of the decking plates have fallen through, however, you can still swim through the old ribs of the ship.
Note: This wreck lies within a NO TAKE ZONE. This means marine life and bits of wreck!!!