Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)
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 Liberty (Wreck) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Black Hawk Liberty is a cracking little wreck, one of our favourites for a relaxed dive in Cornwall. She's sitting upright at 20 metres, which is perfect for newer divers or those looking for a longer bottom time without the decompression stress. We love exploring her holds, which are surprisingly intact and make for some moody swim-throughs, especially when a few stray rays of light pierce the gloom. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the sand nearby, and the usual suspects like blennies and wrasse flitting amongst the superstructure. It’s a great site for seeing how quickly marine life reclaims these artificial reefs. If you hit it on a day with good visibility, say after a few days of calm seas, the whole outline of the ship becomes clear, a ghostly shape against the seabed. It’s a real pleasure to potter about on.
Typical Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water 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.
Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
7,176 GRT
Liberty ships were the iconic cargo vessels of World War II, mass-produced on an unprecedented scale in the United States to replace Allied shipping losses. These simple, sturdy ships formed the backbone of the convoys that supplied Great Britain and the war fronts, becoming a symbol of American industrial might. The SS Black Hawk was one of over 2,700 such vessels built, a vital cog in the logistical machine that led to victory.
The story of the Black Hawk ended in December 1944 when it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the English coast. The hit broke the ship in two, creating two distinct wreck sites. This site, known as the Black Hawk Liberty, lies at a comfortable 20 metres. It consists of a large, scattered debris field from the forward section of the ship, which was towed towards shore before finally sinking. Divers can explore the skeletal remains of this historic vessel, discovering winches, boilers, and vast sections of hull plating that are now encrusted with life, serving as a living monument to the sacrifices of the war.
Nearest Dive Centres to Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)
Dive shops near Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Dive Beyond Limited
Divers Down
Mayim Mermaid Academy
Dorset Diving Services
TAL Scuba Ltd.
Reviews for Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)
Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck), 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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