BLUE MARLIN - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.256000, -3.439917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Wreck History - BLUE MARLIN

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.

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 MARLIN

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 MARLIN

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