ASHMUN J CLOUGH (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Ashmun J. Clough, or what we strongly suspect is her, offers a deep, moody dive that’s a real challenge but incredibly rewarding. Dropping to 53 metres, you’re looking at a serious commitment, so this is one strictly for experienced technical divers. We love the sheer scale of her down there. The stern sits quite proud, her massive propeller blades still largely intact and looming out of the gloom. Visibility can be a mixed bag, but on a good day, the light filtering down through the green Cornish waters gives the whole site an atmospheric, almost ghostly feel. What really makes this wreck sing for us is the way marine life has utterly colonised it. You’ll see conger eels tucked into every available crevice, their heads poking out with surprising curiosity. Schools of pollack often hang just off the deck plates, shimmering as you approach. Keep an eye out for the jewel anemones, their tiny, vibrant tentacles clinging to the exposed metalwork – a pop of colour against the rust. Penetration is possible in places, especially into the engine room, but it requires careful planning and precise buoyancy control. It's a proper expedition, a delve into history and a testament to the ocean's reclaiming power.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.231140, -1.685444
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Wreck History - ASHMUN J CLOUGH (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The ASHMUN J CLOUGH was a product of the Second World War, built in 1943 to serve the Allied cause. As part of the vast merchant fleet managed for the Ministry of War Transport, she played a crucial role in the lifeline of supplies, munitions, and goods that sustained the war effort. Like many such vessels, she was built for utility and pressed into dangerous service almost immediately.

Her wartime career was tragically short. On August 26, 1944, while sailing in a convoy off the coast of Cornwall, the ASHMUN J CLOUGH was targeted by the German submarine U-989. A torpedo found its mark, and the resulting explosion sent the steamship to the bottom of the English Channel, a casualty of the long and brutal Battle of the Atlantic.

Today, the wreck lies at a depth of 53 meters, placing it firmly in the realm of technical diving. The cold, deep waters have helped preserve the vessel's structure, offering a compelling and atmospheric dive. For experienced, mixed-gas divers, a descent to the ASHMUN J CLOUGH is a journey back in time, providing a solemn and poignant encounter with a largely intact piece of WWII history.

Marine Protected Area: Wight-Barfleur Reef

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 ASHMUN J CLOUGH (POSSIBLY)

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 ASHMUN J CLOUGH (POSSIBLY)

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 maximum depth of the ASHMUN J CLOUGH dive site?
The ASHMUN J CLOUGH dive site has a maximum depth of 53 meters. This makes it an exciting deep dive opportunity in the Cornwall & Devon region.
What can divers expect to see on the ASHMUN J CLOUGH wreck, including its cargo and marine life?
Divers exploring the ASHMUN J CLOUGH can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1943 and sunk on August 26, 1944. This non-dangerous wreck measures 76.2m x 12.5m and features a triple expansion engine of 188NHP with a single shaft. While specific details about cargo or marine life are not provided, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse aquatic species.
How difficult is the ASHMUN J CLOUGH dive, considering its depth and the condition of the wreck?
The ASHMUN J CLOUGH dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 53 meters and being a non-dangerous wreck, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for appropriately trained divers.
What is the best time of year to dive the ASHMUN J CLOUGH for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions to dive the ASHMUN J CLOUGH is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local dive reports or consulting with a dive center in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are required to safely dive the ASHMUN J CLOUGH, which lies at 60-62 meters?
The ASHMUN J CLOUGH dive site has a maximum depth of 53 meters, not 60-62 meters as stated in the question. Given its depth and intermediate difficulty, divers should possess advanced or technical diving certifications appropriate for depths beyond 40 meters to safely explore this wreck in the United Kingdom. Always ensure your training and equipment are suitable for the planned dive profile.
Are there any notable currents or environmental conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive to the ASHMUN J CLOUGH?
The provided data does not include specific information about notable currents or environmental conditions for the ASHMUN J CLOUGH dive site. As with any wreck dive, especially at 53 meters depth, it is crucial to consult local dive operators for current conditions, tides, and weather forecasts before planning your dive.