BLACK HAWK (AFT SECTION) - Cornwall & Devon

The Black Hawk’s stern section is a real beast of a wreck, sitting upright and imposing at 45 metres. We love dropping onto the massive propellers, still attached and looking ready to spin, giving you a real sense of the ship’s scale. She was torpedoed in 1944, split in two, and this half went down fast, so there’s a lovely sense of an intact moment frozen in time. The hold is open for penetration, if you’re comfortable and properly trained. Inside, the gloom is often broken by torch beams picking out huge conger eels coiled amongst the twisted metal, their eyes reflecting the light. Outside, massive bib schools drift over the deck, sometimes so thick you can barely see the structure beneath. Visibility can be decent here, but it’s a deep dive in UK waters, so always go prepared for low light and a chill. Our tip: look for the elusive scorpion fish camouflaged on the hull plates. It’s a challenging dive, best suited for experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth and overhead environments.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.436684, -2.422233
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Wreck History - BLACK HAWK (AFT SECTION)

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
7,176 GRT

The SS Black Hawk was a Liberty ship, a mass-produced American cargo vessel vital to the Allied war effort in WWII. Built in 1943, her career was cut short on December 29th, 1944, while on passage from Cherbourg. She was struck by a torpedo from the German submarine U-772, a direct hit that broke the ship's back. The vessel split in two, and the aft (stern) section sank almost immediately, taking the engine room and rear cargo holds with it.

Today, the stern section of the Black Hawk rests upright on the seabed at a depth of 45 metres. This is a challenging dive reserved for experienced technical or deep-air divers. The reward is a dramatic and imposing wreck, largely intact despite the violent nature of its sinking. Divers can explore the superstructure, peer into the cavernous engine room, and see the deck gun still pointing skyward. The depth has helped preserve the wreck, making it one of the most impressive deep dives in the region, a poignant memorial to the Battle of the Atlantic.

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 BLACK HAWK (AFT SECTION)

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 BLACK HAWK (AFT SECTION)

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 Black Hawk (Aft Section) dive site?
The maximum depth of the Black Hawk (Aft Section) dive site is 45 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable with such depths.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Black Hawk (Aft Section)?
Divers exploring the Black Hawk (Aft Section) can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 134.4m x 17.4m. This historic wreck, sunk in 1944, offers fascinating structural features for exploration. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks of this nature often attract a variety of local marine species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Black Hawk (Aft Section) dive, considering its depth and potential conditions?
The Black Hawk (Aft Section) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, with a maximum depth of 45 meters. Its designation as a "Dangerous wreck" further suggests that divers should approach it with caution and appropriate training. This dive is best suited for those with experience in deeper wreck diving.
What are the optimal times or tidal conditions for diving the Black Hawk (Aft Section)?
Specific optimal times or tidal conditions for diving the Black Hawk (Aft Section) are not detailed in the provided data. For planning your dive, it's always recommended to consult local dive operators or resources like our When to Dive section for up-to-date information on currents and conditions in Cornwall & Devon.
What diving certifications are required to safely dive the Black Hawk (Aft Section)?
Given the Black Hawk (Aft Section)'s maximum depth of 45 meters and its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess advanced or technical diving certifications. These certifications ensure you have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives, especially considering its classification as a "Dangerous wreck." Always ensure your equipment is suitable for such challenging conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Black Hawk (Aft Section) dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical current conditions or visibility at the Black Hawk (Aft Section) dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive centers or guides for the most current and accurate information before their dive.