Also known as: Alaunia
The largest wreck on the entire Sussex coast, the RMS Alaunia was a Cunard Line ocean liner of over 13,000 tons — a ship built for the transatlantic run that could carry more than 2,000 passengers in an age when crossing by sea was the only option. In 1914 she made history as the first Cunard vessel to transport Canadian troops to the war in Europe. Two years later, outbound from London to New York on 19 October 1916, she struck a mine off the Royal Sovereign Lightship and went down with the loss of two crew. She now lies on her port side in around 36 metres off Eastbourne, her 159-metre hull standing 10 metres proud of the seabed in places. The bow cants at a dramatic 45-degree angle with the port anchor still hanging in its hawsehole, and rows of portholes remain in situ along the hull plating. It is a dive of genuine scale — a cathedral of riveted steel in the grey-green Channel water.
Struck a mine off the Royal Sovereign Lightship in the English Channel. Two crew were killed. She was en route from London to New York at the time of her loss. First Cunard ship to carry Canadian troops in WWI. Could accommodate 520 cabin and 1,540 third-class passengers.
RMS Alaunia is a passenger liner wreck located off East Sussex, United Kingdom at a depth of 36 metres. The vessel was lost due to mine in 1916. The wreck is diveable.
RMS Alaunia lies at 26 to 36 metres depth, Approximately 8.1 nautical miles bearing 143T from Eastbourne Marina, East Sussex.
RMS Alaunia struck a mine on 19 October 1916 during World War I, off East Sussex, United Kingdom. 2 people lost their lives.
Diving the RMS Alaunia is rated advanced and is requires an Advanced Open Water certification with wreck diving experience. Minimum certification: PADI Deep Diver or equivalent. Recommended: PADI Deep Diver / BSAC Dive Leader.
The best months to dive RMS Alaunia are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 7°C in winter to 17°C in summer.
RMS Alaunia is accessed by boat from Eastbourne, East Sussex, United Kingdom.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.0°C | 3.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 7.5°C | 3.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 5.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting |
| May | 11.0°C | 6.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollack, cuttlefish, crabs |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollack, cuttlefish, crabs |
| Jul | 15.5°C | 10.0m | good | Peak — bass, bream, cuttlefish, lobster, nudibranchs |
| Aug | 17.0°C | 12.0m | good | Peak — bass, bream, cuttlefish, lobster, nudibranchs |
| Sep | 16.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollack, cuttlefish, crabs |
| Oct | 13.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollack |
| Nov | 10.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.0°C | 3.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
2 evidence records from 2 sources.
Cunard Line ocean liner. Struck mine off Royal Sovereign Lightship, 19 October 1916. 2 crew killed. 13,405 GRT. First Cunard ship to carry Canadian troops in WWI.
Lies on port side. Largest wreck on Sussex coast. Bow at 45-degree angle, port anchor still hanging. Many portholes in place. Stands 10m high.
Approximately 8.1 nautical miles bearing 143T from Eastbourne Marina, East Sussex