AFON DULAIS - Cornwall & Devon

The Afon Dulais, a 63-metre steamship, isn’t your typical upright wreck. She lies on her starboard side at 26 metres, broken midships, a testament to that June 1942 mine. We love how her orientation offers a different perspective; you’re not just swimming over decks but along bulkheads, feeling the roll of her original journey. Entry can be tricky here, so picking a calm day is essential. Visibility, when it’s good, lets you appreciate the sheer scale of the coal carrier. Our favourite part is navigating the twisted metal, imagining the cargo spilling out. Conger eels are regulars, tucked into crevices, and we’ve spotted impressive anglerfish camouflaged on the hull plates. It’s a dive for those who enjoy exploring the history etched into the steel, not just ticking off species. You’ll leave feeling the grit of wartime shipping, not just the usual chill of a UK dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.585350, -0.641650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Wreck History - AFON DULAIS

Year Sunk
1942
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The SS 'Afon Dulais' was a British steamship built in 1919, just after the end of the First World War. For over two decades, she faithfully plied the coastal trade routes, but the outbreak of World War II placed her in constant danger. On June 20, 1942, while on passage from Seaham, she became another victim of the war at sea. She was attacked and sunk by a German E-boat, fast and deadly torpedo boats that terrorized Allied shipping in the English Channel. The attack was swift and devastating, sending the 'Afon Dulais' and her cargo to the seabed.

Today, the wreck of the 'Afon Dulais' rests at a depth of 26 meters off the coast of Cornwall. This makes it an ideal dive for advanced recreational divers. The wreck is largely intact, though her superstructure shows the damage from her violent end. Divers can explore the deck, peer into the cargo holds, and examine the boiler and triple-expansion engine that once powered her. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting dense schools of bib, pollack, and colorful cuckoo wrasse, offering a poignant mix of military history and vibrant marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 AFON DULAIS

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 AFON DULAIS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Afon Dulais?
The typical diving depth at the Afon Dulais wreck site is 26 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training and experience for intermediate depths.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see at Afon Dulais?
Divers visiting the Afon Dulais can expect to explore the remains of a 63.4m x 10.1m steam ship vessel, which sank on June 20, 1942. As a wreck dive, it offers fascinating structural features like its single boiler and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time.
How challenging is diving at Afon Dulais for different experience levels?
Diving at the Afon Dulais wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should possess adequate experience and training for wreck diving. This site is best suited for divers who are comfortable with deeper dives and potential challenges associated with wreck environments.
What is the best time of year to dive at Afon Dulais for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Afon Dulais for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, please consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Afon Dulais?
Given the Afon Dulais is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive with a depth of 26 meters and classified as "Dangerous," divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving training is highly recommended due to its classification and the nature of the site.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like for diving in Afon Dulais?
The provided data does not detail the typical currents or specific water conditions for diving at Afon Dulais. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should always check local conditions and forecasts before diving.