Diving atAlex van Opstal (United Kingdom)

A Belgian liner built just two years prior, the Alex Van Opstal tragically became an early casualty of World War Two. On 15 September 1939, returning from New York to Antwerp and diverted to Weymouth for inspection, she struck a mine laid by a U-boat.

The explosion, occurring beneath the number two hold, was powerful enough to lift the 5965-ton cargo and passenger vessel from the water, breaking her back forward of the bridge. All 49 crew members and eight passengers were successfully rescued by the Greek steamship Atlanticos before the Alex Van Opstal sank. Its sinking also impacted local defences, disabling a submarine detection loop near the harbour.

Today, the wreck is a popular dive from Weymouth and Portland, particularly appreciated for its historical significance and structure. Her layout as a cargo and passenger vessel becomes apparent through the surviving features, even in her broken state.

The bow section remains largely intact, rising significantly from the seabed, presenting a substantial structure for exploration. Moving towards the midships, evidence of the violent explosion becomes clear, with plating peeled back and structural elements twisted.

Further aft, the stern reveals more extensive wreckage, offering a different landscape of debris and scattered components. Divers can explore various features, though careful navigation is essential given the ship's broken state and the potential for snagging on exposed metal. Visibility often dictates the scope of the exploration, with clearer days allowing a broader appreciation of the sheer scale of the vessel and her tragic end. Even in lesser visibility, the sheer mass of the wreck provides a compelling dive experience.