The SS Almond Branch, a 3,300-ton, 330ft long cargo ship that sank off the Cornish coast during World War I, was recently purchased by Dom Robinson for a mere £300 ($400 USD). Robinson stumbled upon this unique find on Facebook Marketplace, where a previous owner had bought the wreckage from the British government in the 1970s in hopes of finding something valuable, only to discover a “big pile of rusting iron.”
Despite the initial disappointment, Robinson, an avid hobbyist diver, saw the potential in the sunken ship and decided to acquire it. The SS Almond Branch was a British defense-armed merchant ship built in 1896 that fell victim to a German submarine torpedo on November 27, 1917, coming to rest near Dodman Point off South Cornwall.
In the UK, private individuals have the opportunity to purchase shipwrecks, and Robinson wasted no time in diving to explore his newly acquired treasure. Armed with cameras, he documented his first dive of the wreck in January 2025, capturing the eerie beauty of the sunken vessel.
Thousands of wrecks lie in the waters around the UK, and owners must adhere to government guidelines to ensure safety and historical preservation. Robinson’s purchase of the SS Almond Branch adds to the collection of privately owned shipwrecks in the region, offering a unique opportunity for exploration and historical discovery.
For those interested in witnessing Robinson’s dive and exploration of the SS Almond Branch, a video of his underwater adventure can be found on YouTube. With his passion for diving and historical artifacts, Robinson’s purchase of this sunken ship opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and preservation of maritime history. The rise of remote work has been a game-changer for many industries, allowing employees to work from the comfort of their own homes and giving companies the opportunity to tap into talent from around the world. With advancements in technology making remote work more accessible than ever before, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are embracing this flexible work arrangement.
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