ARCTIC DAWN - Cornwall & Devon

The Arctic Dawn is a curious one, a wreck that wasn't meant to be. She was derelict, being towed to her end, when the sea decided otherwise in 1957. What’s left is scattered, a collection of intriguing debris at a shallow six metres, making it a perfect spot for those wanting a relaxed dive with a touch of history. We love how accessible it is, a gentle introduction to wreck diving without any of the usual depth or current worries. You’ll find plates and beams spread across the seabed, each piece now a miniature reef. Look closely and you’ll spot tiny crabs scuttling for cover and blennies peering out from crevices. It’s less about a grand structure and more about the details; the way the light plays on the corroded metal, the surprising flashes of colour from anemones clinging on. Our favourite part is the feeling of discovery, sifting through the remains, imagining the vessel’s final moments. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, ideal for photographers or anyone who appreciates the subtle beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the ocean.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.589466, -2.013026
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - ARCTIC DAWN

Year Sunk
1957
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
169 GRT

The Arctic Dawn had a long and fascinating history that stretched back to the golden age of sail. Built in 1891 in Denmark as the three-masted schooner 'Jason', she spent decades plying the trade routes of Northern Europe, carrying cargo under wind power. By the mid-20th century, however, such vessels were obsolete. The ship, renamed Arctic Dawn, eventually fell into a state of disrepair.

Her final voyage occurred on July 3rd, 1957. The aging, derelict schooner was being towed, likely to a scrapyard, when she could no longer withstand the strain. She began taking on water and foundered, sinking beneath the waves off Wyke Regis on the Dorset coast.

Lying in just 6 meters of water, the Arctic Dawn is a dive into history. The classification 'Distributed remains' is accurate; the wreck is a scattered collection of timbers, frames, and iron fittings partially buried in the sand. There is no intact structure to penetrate, but for divers with a passion for maritime archaeology, it's a rewarding experience. Exploring the debris field allows one to trace the faint outline of this 19th-century sailing ship and imagine its final moments. Its shallow depth makes it a very accessible dive, though it is best explored on a calm day with good visibility.

Marine Protected Area: Purbeck 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 ARCTIC DAWN

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 ARCTIC DAWN

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