1697–1707 · Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
The wreck of HMS Association in 1707 had profound implications for maritime navigation. The catastrophic grounding on the Isles of Scilly, which also claimed three other ships, resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives, including Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell.
This disaster highlighted the need for accurate navigation, leading to the establishment of the Board of Longitude in 1714, which spurred the development of the marine chronometer. She met her end on 22 October 1707 due to navigational errors in the Celtic Sea. The wreck, now a protected site under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, lies scattered on the seabed, posing hazards such as ordnance.
Rediscovered in 1967, the site has yielded artefacts like anchors and cannons, though much of the treasure was dispersed.
4 of 5 facts above are cited in Sources below.
HMS Association was wrecked on 22 October 1707 on the Outer Gilstone rock, Isles of Scilly, due to navigational errors. She was returning to Portsmouth from the Mediterranean with a fleet, including HMS Eagle, HMS Romney, and HMS Firebrand, which were also lost. The disaster resulted in the loss of approximately 1,450 lives, including Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell.
Built 1697; 10 years in service. Lost October 22nd, 1707, grounding.
The wreck lies scattered beneath the Outer Gilstone, with only iron objects like cannons and anchors visible. Most of the cannons are broken and trapped under boulders. The site is very challenging to access and work on due to environmental conditions.
This is a legally protected site. A permit is required to dive this site.
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
Deep rock gullies · Strong currents · Thick kelp growth · Difficult diving conditions
No published depth has been found for this wreck.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | 9° | 9.5° | 10° | 11° | 13° | 15° | 17° | 18° | 17° | 14° | 11.5° | 10° |
| Visibility | 8m | 8m | 9m | 12m | 18m |
A further 7 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
HMS Association is a ship wreck located off Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1707. The wreck is diveable.
HMS Association ran aground on October 22nd, 1707, off Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
The best months to dive HMS Association are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 18°C in summer.
HMS Association is accessed by boat from Hugh Town, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom. A dive permit is required.
| 28m |
| 30m |
| 22m |
| 15m |
| 10m |
| 8m |
| Access | poor | poor | poor | marginal | good | good | good | good | good | marginal | poor | poor |
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| Marine life | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Moderateseason opening | Goodwrasse, pollock, seals, spider crabs | Goodwrasse, pollock, seals, blue sharks offshore | Peakseals, blue sharks, sunfish, basking sharks | Peakseals, blue sharks, sunfish, basking sharks | Goodwrasse, pollock, seals, spider crabs | Moderateseason closing | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions |
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