BLUE MARLIN
Protected Area
Skerries Bank and Surrounds
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 MARLIN offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
Alright, let's talk about the Blue Marlin, a personal favourite of ours when we're looking for something a bit different down in Cornwall. It's not your ancient galleon, no, this is a speed boat, lost during the Around Britain Power Boat Race in 2008. Sitting upright on the seabed at 54 metres, it's remarkably intact, almost like it just powered down and settled there. What makes it special? The sheer novelty of diving something so modern, yet already completely taken over by the sea. We love seeing how quickly nature reclaims things; the railings are thick with plumose anemones, and you’ll often find wrasse poking around the exposed engine block. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, as it is with most UK diving, but on a good day, the light plays wonderfully off the fibreglass hull. Our tip: aim for slack water, and make sure you’re comfortable with the depth. It’s a good one for technical divers wanting something a bit more unique than a trawler, offering a glimpse into a very recent piece of maritime history.
Typical BLUE MARLIN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 54m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
BLUE MARLIN Wreck History
Year Sunk
2008
Vessel Type
speed boat
Cause
collision
Unlike the historic vessels that often populate the seabed, the Blue Marlin is a modern tragedy and a truly unique dive. This 9.8-meter speedboat was competing in the prestigious Around Britain Power Boat Race in June 2008 when its journey came to an abrupt and unexpected end. While racing, the vessel was lost after possibly striking a submerged object, sinking quickly beneath the waves.
Resting at a depth of 54 meters, the Blue Marlin is a challenging technical dive reserved for experienced, certified trimix divers. For those qualified to make the descent, the wreck offers a surreal sight: a sleek, modern race boat sitting silently on the seafloor, far from the roar of its engines and the thrill of the race. It serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea, even for the fastest and most powerful of vessels.
Nearest Dive Centres to BLUE MARLIN
Dive shops near BLUE MARLIN
Teign Diving Centre
Edge Watersports
Sound Diving Limited
Reviews for BLUE MARLIN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BLUE MARLIN
BLUE MARLIN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BLUE MARLIN, 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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