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