AVALON G II - Cornwall & Devon

The Avalon G II is one of our absolute favourite wrecks in this part of the world, even if she is a little on the smaller side. Sunk in 1991 after a run-in with a Norwegian tanker, this 18-meter fishing vessel now rests upright in around 40 meters, making her a solid choice for those with a bit of deep-diving experience. We love how intact she is; you can still make out the wheelhouse, and her mast reaches up invitingly from the seabed. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of life that’s made the wreck home. Squat lobsters peek from every crevice, conger eels coil in the shadows, and schools of pollock often swirl overhead, creating a dynamic, shimmering canopy. Our best tip here is to take your time, really look into the nooks and crannies. The conditions can be typical for the UK, so pick a day with good visibility, ideally after a few calm days, and you'll be rewarded. This wreck is perfect for divers who appreciate the history of a vessel and the way it becomes an artificial reef, teeming with marine life, rather than just a structure.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.421250, -3.369283
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - AVALON G II

Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
collision

The story of the AVALON G II is one of a sudden and dramatic end. On January 28, 1991, the 18-metre fishing vessel was anchored off the English coast when it was struck by the Norwegian tanker, Berge Lord. The massive size difference sealed the smaller vessel's fate, and the AVALON G II quickly sank beneath the waves, coming to rest on the seabed.

Today, the wreck sits upright at a depth of 40 metres. This depth makes it an excellent dive for advanced and technical divers exploring the rich maritime graveyard off the coasts of Cornwall and Devon. While not a large wreck, it is relatively intact and provides a compact, interesting site to explore. Divers can expect to see the typical features of a fishing trawler, now draped in marine life and patrolled by the fish it once sought to catch.

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham Point

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 AVALON G II

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 AVALON G II

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