CITY OF GHENT - Cornwall & Devon

The *City of Ghent* isn't one of those wrecks where you need a guide to point out a vague outline in the sand. This is a proper ship, upright and largely intact, sitting on a sandy seabed at 25 metres. We love that you can really get a sense of her as a vessel, not just a pile of plates. She went down in 1955 after hitting rocks near Black Head, a relatively new build at the time, en route from Dublin to Fowey. You’ll find her midships and stern still quite impressive, with plenty of penetration opportunities for those with the right training and gear – the engine room is a highlight, quite eerie in the low light. Expect to see conger eels tucked into every nook, their heads poking out like curious gargoyles. Dogfish often rest on the sand nearby, and we’ve seen some decent lobsters clambering over the bow section. Our favourite time to dive her is on an ebb tide, just after slack, when the visibility tends to be at its best. It’s a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and a decent amount of structure to explore.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.961617, -5.163583
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Lizard Point

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 CITY OF GHENT

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 CITY OF GHENT

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 for diving in Ghent's local dive sites, such as Blaarmeersen?
The provided data specifically details the CITY OF GHENT wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which has a typical depth of 25 meters. This information does not cover other dive sites like Blaarmeersen or general "Ghent" local dive sites.
What kind of underwater attractions, marine life, or objects can divers expect to see when diving in Ghent?
When diving the CITY OF GHENT wreck, divers can explore the remains of a 64.5m x 9.9m motor vessel that sank in 1955. Key features include its eight-cylinder oil engine and single shaft machinery located aft. The provided data does not specify particular marine life for this site.
How challenging is diving in Ghent's dive sites, like Blaarmeersen, for different skill levels?
The CITY OF GHENT wreck in Cornwall & Devon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification is specific to this particular wreck site and does not apply to other locations such as Blaarmeersen.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Ghent for optimal conditions and visibility?
The data provided for the CITY OF GHENT wreck in Cornwall & Devon does not include information on the best time of year for diving or typical visibility conditions. For general guidance on dive planning and conditions, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there any specific permits or certifications required for scuba diving in Ghent's freshwater dive locations?
The provided information pertains to the CITY OF GHENT wreck, a saltwater dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. It does not specify any permit or certification requirements for this particular wreck, nor does it cover freshwater dive locations.
What are the usual visibility and current conditions like for diving in Ghent's recreational lakes?
The data context is specifically for the CITY OF GHENT wreck, a sea dive site in Cornwall & Devon. Therefore, it does not contain details regarding typical visibility or current conditions for recreational lakes or other dive sites.