Freighter · lost 1915 · Cornwall, United Kingdom
The sinking of the SS Armenian on 28 June 1915 had significant repercussions, particularly in the United States. The loss of 29 lives, including American citizens, heightened tensions between the US and Germany, following the earlier sinking of the RMS Lusitania. The Armenian, a British freighter, was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Celtic Sea, off the coast of Cornwall.
At the time, she was transporting mules for the French Army. Despite efforts to escape, she was shelled and eventually torpedoed, leading to her swift sinking. Today, the wreck of the SS Armenian lies in the Celtic Sea, with notable features such as cargo remains and guns. The site is known to contain ordnance, presenting potential hazards.
The wreck was identified in 2008, sitting upright on the seabed, and is marked by the presence of animal bones, a reminder of her final cargo.
6 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.
The SS Armenian was torpedoed by a German submarine on 28 June 1915, about 20 nautical miles west of Trevose Head, Cornwall. She was transporting 1,422 mules for the French Army from Newport News to Avonmouth. Despite attempts to escape, she was shelled and eventually torpedoed, resulting in her sinking at 20:07 hrs. The attack resulted in the loss of 29 lives, including 23 American citizens.
Lost June 28th, 1915, torpedo.
The wreck of the SS Armenian lies upright on the seabed at a depth of 312 feet. She was identified in 2008, sitting on an even keel, with a mass of animal bones found inside, marking her final cargo.
This is a legally protected 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.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | 9° | 9° | 9.5° | 10.5° | 12° | 14° | 16° | 18° | 17° | 14° | 11° | 10° |
| Visibility | 5m | 5m | 6m | 8m | 12m |
A further 6 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
SS Armenian is a freighter wreck located off Cornwall, United Kingdom at a depth of 95 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1915. The wreck is diveable.
SS Armenian lies at approximately 95 metres depth, Celtic Sea, Cornwall.
SS Armenian was torpedoed on June 28th, 1915, off Cornwall, United Kingdom.
As reported, diving the SS Armenian is rated extreme and is requires advanced technical diving qualifications including trimix certification and extensive deep wreck experience. Minimum certification: Confirm with a local operator. 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.
The best months to dive SS Armenian are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 18°C in summer.
Ordnance
| 18m |
| 20m |
| 15m |
| 10m |
| 7m |
| 5m |
| Access | poor | poor | poor | marginal | good | good | good | good | good | marginal | poor | poor |
|---|
| Marine life | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Moderateseason opening | Goodwrasse, pollock, cuttlefish, anemones | Goodwrasse, pollock, cuttlefish, blue sharks offshore | Peakbasking sharks, blue sharks, sunfish, seals | Peakbasking sharks, blue sharks, sunfish, seals | Goodwrasse, pollock, cuttlefish, anemones | Moderateseason closing | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions |
|---|