BARRACUDA
Protected Area
Offshore Brighton
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BARRACUDA offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical BARRACUDA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BARRACUDA Wreck History
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.
Reviews for BARRACUDA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BARRACUDA
BARRACUDA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BARRACUDA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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