ADUR II - Cornwall & Devon

The ADUR II, just off the coast, is one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the area. Sunk in 1946 after getting overwhelmed by rough seas on a journey from London to Liverpool, this old tug lies in a respectable 11 metres. It's a great little explore for those looking to get their wreck fix without deep deco stops. What we love about the ADUR II is how accessible it is. You can spend a good chunk of your bottom time really getting to know the structure, poking around the engine room, and imagining its working life. The bow points north, and the stern is a bit more broken up, but you can still make out the general shape of the vessel. Current isn't usually a problem here, but we always check the tides – slack water is always best for visibility, which can average around 10-15 metres on a good day. Shoals of bib and pouting hang in the shadows, and we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked into crevices. It’s not a big wreck, but it's full of character and a good one to visit more than once.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.029945, -4.549450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - ADUR II

Year Sunk
1946
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
storm

The ADUR II was a classic workhorse of the sea. Built in 1912 in South Shields, this oil-powered, single-shaft tugboat provided more than three decades of reliable service, guiding larger ships and making coastal passages. Her final voyage was a routine trip from London to Liverpool, a journey she would never complete.

On August 10, 1946, while navigating the often-unforgiving waters off the coast of Cornwall, the ADUR II was caught in rough seas. The small but powerful tug was overwhelmed by the immense force of the waves and foundered, sinking beneath the surface. While the vessel was lost, her crew was fortunately rescued, a small mercy in the face of the sea's power.

Today, the ADUR II rests at an accessible depth of 11 meters. It is a fascinating dive, though its 'Dangerous' classification warrants caution due to sharp metal and potential hazards. The wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, providing a home for conger eels, crabs, lobsters, and schools of fish. Exploring the remains of this hardworking tug offers a poignant glimpse into the UK's rich maritime heritage.

Marine Protected Area: Marsland to Clovelly Coast

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to ADUR II

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ADUR II

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories