15m
    Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    Studland to Portland

    BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION)

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Studland to Portland

    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) - BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded
    Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 15m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Black Hawk’s forward section, just 15 metres down, is our absolute favourite kind of wreck dive – a relatively shallow, accessible piece of history that always delivers. We’ve found ourselves lingering here, often with a slight current nudging us along, just soaking in the sheer scale of it. The intact bow, surprisingly robust despite its age, points defiantly upwards, feeling almost majestic as you approach through the green water. What makes this a standout for us? It’s the swim-throughs and the sheer volume of metal to explore. We love drifting through the hold, imagining cargo long gone, now replaced by thick clusters of dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones that look like scattered gemstones. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels; they’re often peeking out from behind plating or coiled up in the darker recesses. This part of the wreck suits divers who appreciate a good rummage and aren't afraid of a bit of an adventure. It’s a proper dive, offering just enough challenge and always something new to spot.

    Typical BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION) Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m15m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    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.

    Today06:2517:2711h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:43

    BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION) Wreck History

    Year Sunk

    1944

    Vessel Type

    cargo ship

    Cause

    torpedo

    Tonnage

    7,176 GRT

    When the Liberty ship SS Black Hawk was torpedoed by U-772 on December 29th, 1944, the vessel broke clean in two. While the stern section plunged to the depths, the forward section remained stubbornly afloat. A salvage operation was mounted, and the bow was taken under tow with the aim of beaching it in Worbarrow Bay. However, the damaged section proved too difficult to handle and was eventually lost, sinking in much shallower waters than its other half.

    Resting at a depth of 15 metres, the forward section of the Black Hawk offers a completely different diving experience to the deep stern. Its accessible depth makes it a popular site for divers of all levels. The wreckage is more broken up and scattered, a result of the salvage attempt and over 70 years of winter storms. Divers can explore a large debris field of twisted steel plates, winches, and other machinery. It's a fantastic rummage dive, where the ship's immense scale can be appreciated by swimming over the vast sections of its hull, now home to a vibrant ecosystem of fish and invertebrates.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION)

    BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION) Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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