CHARLES MORGAN - Cornwall & Devon

The *Charles Morgan* off the Normandy coast is a fascinating dive, especially for those who appreciate a good historical narrative with their wreck. This isn't a deep dive, sitting at a maximum of 5m, so it’s perfect for extended bottom times and really soaking in the details. What we love about her is her size – at 134m, there's a lot of hull to explore, even if much of it is broken up. She went down in 1944, a victim of bombing, and you can sense that history in the twisted metal. You'll spend your dive weaving around substantial sections of hull plating, seeing how the structure has collapsed over the decades. Crabs lurk in the crevices, and we’ve often seen inquisitive pollack patrolling the larger open areas, darting in and out of the shadows cast by the wreckage. For us, the joy here is in the exploration, piecing together the story of a wartime freighter. It’s a site that suits divers who enjoy a shallower wreck with plenty of scope for discovery, rather than a focus on specific marine species. Visibility can vary, as with most English Channel dives, but on a good day, the light penetration at 5m makes the wreckage really pop.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.439200, -1.166500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 CHARLES MORGAN

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 CHARLES MORGAN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the SS Charles Morgan wreck?
The SS Charles Morgan wreck is found at a depth of 5m, making it a relatively shallow dive. This accessible depth allows for extended bottom times and is suitable for divers with various experience levels exploring this historic site.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to encounter at the Charles Morgan dive site?
Divers exploring the Charles Morgan dive site will primarily encounter the historical remains of the steam ship vessel itself. This impressive wreck, built in 1943 and sunk in 1944, measures 134.7m by 17.4m and offers a glimpse into World War II history. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time; you can learn more about general marine life at our wildlife database.
How would you rate the difficulty of diving the Charles Morgan wreck for different skill levels?
Diving the Charles Morgan wreck is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level, comfortable with wreck diving techniques and potentially varying conditions. While the 5m depth is shallow, the nature of wreck diving requires appropriate skills and awareness.
When is the optimal season or time of year to dive the SS Charles Morgan for the best conditions?
Our current data for the SS Charles Morgan does not specify an optimal season or time of year for the best diving conditions. However, for diving in the Cornwall & Devon region of the United Kingdom, conditions like visibility and water temperature typically improve during the warmer summer months. We recommend checking local dive reports closer to your planned visit for the most up-to-date information on conditions, and you can find general advice on when to dive here.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to explore the Charles Morgan wreck?
Given that the Charles Morgan is an intermediate-level wreck dive, it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Furthermore, a specialty certification in Wreck Diving would be beneficial to safely and effectively explore the vessel's structure and understand proper wreck diving procedures. Always dive within the limits of your training and experience.
What are the usual current strengths and visibility conditions at the Charles Morgan dive site?
Our available data for the Charles Morgan dive site does not include specific details regarding usual current strengths or visibility conditions. As with any dive in the Cornwall & Devon area, conditions can vary, so it's always advisable to consult local dive operators for real-time reports before planning your dive.