BLUE MINK - Cornwall & Devon

The *Blue Mink* isn't a massive dive, but it's one we always enjoy for a shallow, relaxing explore. At just 8.5 metres long, this old fishing vessel came to grief near Beacon Point in 1981, settling upright on a rocky seabed at a maximum depth of 11 metres. We find it’s a brilliant training ground for newer wreck divers, or a lovely easy second dive when the tide’s right. The wreck itself is pretty intact, though time and tide have definitely had their way with the superstructure. You can still make out the wheelhouse area and the bow, often draped in kelp that sways with the gentle surge. We love poking around the engine room access, though it’s a squeeze and probably best left to the crabs that have made it their home. The *Blue Mink* is absolutely smothered in jewel anemones, a vibrant orange carpet that really pops in the torchlight, even on a bright day. Look closely, and you’ll spot blennies peering from cracks, gobies scuttling across the plates, and often, a resident conger eel tucked away in a darker corner of the hull. It’s not a dive that will test your limits, but it’s full of small wonders and a perfect example of how quickly the sea reclaims what’s hers.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.283920, -3.935047
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - BLUE MINK

Year Sunk
1981
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The Blue Mink tells a classic story of a small vessel versus the rugged coastline of Cornwall. In April 1981, this 8.5-meter fishing boat was reported on the rocks at Beacon Point, a victim of the treacherous near-shore waters. Unable to be saved, it later slipped beneath the waves and settled on the seabed.

Lying in just 11 meters of water, the Blue Mink is now a fantastic and accessible dive site, perfect for novice divers, photographers, or as a relaxed second dive of the day. Its shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration. Over the decades, the wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, offering a home to a variety of local marine life. Divers can explore the remains of this small vessel and enjoy the vibrant ecosystem that has grown around its simple, tragic end.

Marine Protected Area: Erme Estuary

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 MINK

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 MINK

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