BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION) - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.613583, -2.207267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - BLACK HAWK (FWD SECTION)

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.

Marine Protected Area: Studland to 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 (FWD 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 (FWD 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 (FWD SECTION) dive site?
The maximum depth of the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) dive site is 15 meters. This makes it a relatively accessible wreck dive within the Cornwall & Devon region. Its depth is suitable for a range of certified divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION)?
Divers exploring the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) can expect to encounter the remains of a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 134.4m x 17.4m. Key features include its two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 2500 HP, and a single shaft. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems over time.
How difficult is the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to this classification and its designation as a "Dangerous wreck," it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications for intermediate wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) for optimal visibility and experience?
Information regarding the best time of year or specific conditions for optimal visibility and experience at the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) dive site is not available in the current data. We recommend checking local dive reports or consulting with a local dive center in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION)?
Given that the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess appropriate advanced certifications. This typically includes advanced open water certification and potentially a wreck diving specialty certification to safely explore such sites. Always ensure your certification level matches the dive's demands.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Black Hawk (FWD SECTION) dive site are not provided in the available data. For the most current information, it is always best to consult with local dive operators or check recent dive logs for the Cornwall & Devon area. This will help ensure a safe and enjoyable dive experience.