Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck) - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.611000, -2.204000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Black Hawk Liberty (Wreck)

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.

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 Liberty (Wreck)

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 Liberty (Wreck)

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