BLUE FIN

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Dawlish Warren

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) - BLUE FIN 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 8m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Blue Fin isn’t a grand, deep wreck, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk in 1995, this 8.2-meter fishing vessel lies in just 8 meters of water, incredibly close to Langstone Rock. It’s perfect for those calm days when you want a relaxed dive with plenty to explore without pushing the limits. Our favourite way to dive the Blue Fin is on a still morning. The light filters down beautifully, illuminating the small holds and the remains of the wheelhouse. We’ve often found dogfish tucked into crevices and plump spider crabs clambering over the hull. The wreck itself is thoroughly colonised now, with anemones and hydroids swaying gently, giving it a soft, fuzzy outline. You can spend a good chunk of time circumnavigating it slowly, peering into every nook. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, or a lovely follow-up dive after something a bit more demanding. Just keep an eye on the tides around Langstone Rock, as currents can pick up, making the dive less enjoyable.

Typical BLUE FIN Dive Profile

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.

Today06:3017:3211h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:48

BLUE FIN Wreck History

Year Sunk

1995

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

The wreck of the BLUE FIN is a somber and poignant dive site that tells a tragic story. On May 26, 1995, the small 8.2-meter fishing vessel sank just three-quarters of a mile east of Langstone Rock, off the coast of Devon. The incident resulted in the loss of two of its three crew members, a stark reminder of the perils of the sea. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' speaks to the hazard it poses to surface navigation in these shallow, busy waters.

Lying at a depth of just 8 meters, the BLUE FIN is highly accessible to divers of all levels. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times to explore what remains of the vessel. Over the years, the structure has evolved into a thriving mini-reef, providing a home for crabs, lobsters, and schools of bib. It serves as both a memorial to those who were lost and a fascinating example of how nature quickly adapts and colonizes man-made structures.