BLUE FIN - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.585840, -3.428440
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - BLUE FIN

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.

Marine Protected Area: Dawlish Warren

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 BLUE FIN

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 BLUE FIN

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