BARRACUDA - Cornwall & Devon

The Barracuda, off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those wrecks that just hits right. At 40 meters, it's a dive that requires some experience, but it’s worth the effort. This isn't some colossal freighter, but a compact trawler, only 9.1m long, that went down in 1996. We love its approachable size; it feels less intimidating than some of the bigger ships. What we really enjoy about the Barracuda is how quickly nature has reclaimed it. Even though it's relatively young, the wreck is nicely covered in plumose anemones, their feathery tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and the odd conger eel peering out from under a plate. It’s a proper little fish magnet, with pollock circling the mast and schools of bib darting through the superstructure. Our favorite time to dive it is on a slack tide, allowing a bit more time to explore the wheelhouse and deck area without fighting a current. It’s a genuinely engaging wreck for those comfortable at depth, offering a real sense of history melding with marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.894600, -0.250900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - BARRACUDA

Year Sunk
1996
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Barracuda is a small, modern wreck that offers a compelling target for experienced deep divers. This 9-metre trawler sank in November 1996 and now rests upright on the seabed at a depth of 40 metres. Due to its depth and its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck', this site is reserved for those with the appropriate training and preparation. The vessel is compact, allowing for a thorough exploration in a single dive. Divers can expect to find a small but intact vessel, which has begun to attract marine life, offering a glimpse into how the sea quickly reclaims even recent losses.

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Brighton

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 BARRACUDA

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 BARRACUDA

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