ARCTIC EXPLORER - Cornwall & Devon

We love the Arctic Explorer for its sheer accessibility. This isn't some deep, dark, technical wreck, it's a giant playground right on your doorstep, sitting pretty at a maximum depth of 5m. Sunk at its moorings in 1979, this 36m fishing vessel offers a real sense of history. You can still make out the superstructure, some of the deck machinery, and even the occasional porthole, all encrusted now with anemones and soft corals. Our favourite part is the penetration opportunities – nothing too challenging, but enough to feel like a real explorer. You can fin gently through the holds where fish, like pollack and wrasse, dart in and out of the shadows. Even better, on a sunny day, the light filters through the water, illuminating the wreck in a way that’s almost ethereal. We'd suggest timing your dive for slack water to avoid any surge, which can kick up the silt inside. It's a perfect spot for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to practice in calm, shallow conditions. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked under plating; they love the shelter.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.360020, -4.122114
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ARCTIC EXPLORER

Year Sunk
1979
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
298 GRT

The Arctic Explorer, a 36-meter trawler built in 1952, met a quiet and undramatic end. Unlike vessels lost to storms or wartime action, it succumbed to an unknown issue while secured in a seemingly safe location. On February 10th, 1979, the ship simply sank at its moorings in the sheltered waters of Sutton Harbour, Plymouth. The specific cause, whether a sudden leak, equipment failure, or simple neglect, was not widely recorded, leaving its final moments a minor mystery.

For divers, the Arctic Explorer's mundane sinking provides a fantastic and highly accessible wreck site. Resting in just 5 meters of water, it is an ideal location for novice divers, training exercises, or a long, relaxed second dive. Because it sank in a protected harbour, the wreck is surprisingly intact, with its hull, deck, and superstructure still clearly recognizable. It has become a thriving artificial reef, providing a home for crabs, lobsters, and a variety of small fish and invertebrates that are common to the harbour environment. It's a perfect example of how even a simple wreck can transform into a vibrant underwater habitat.

Marine Protected Area: Plymouth Sound Shores and Cliffs

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 EXPLORER

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 EXPLORER

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