CITY OF SWANSEA (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The City of Swansea, likely, sits deep off the Cornish coast, a proper technical dive at 40 metres. This isn't one for a quick splash, but if you're comfortable with depth and have the right training, it's a solid day out. We love the way the wreck has settled, largely intact, with a clear list to port that makes exploring the deck a little disorienting in the best way. You'll find the two huge boilers dominating the midships, often draped in dead man's fingers and home to some seriously big conger eels tucked into every crevice. Our favourite detail is the way light filters through the remaining deck plating, creating an ethereal glow around the main structure. Keep an eye out for dogfish patrolling the sand nearby and decent-sized pollack hovering above the superstructure. It's a site that rewards patience and good buoyancy, offering a real sense of history beneath the waves. Best dived on slack water, of course, to fully appreciate its scale without battling the strong tides typical of the area.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.481384, -3.190500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Lyme Bay and Torbay

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 SWANSEA (PROBABLY)

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 SWANSEA (PROBABLY)

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 maximum depth of the SS City of Swansea shipwreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the SS City of Swansea shipwreck dive site is 40 meters. This depth makes it a rewarding dive for those with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SS City of Swansea shipwreck?
Divers exploring the SS City of Swansea shipwreck can expect to encounter the remains of a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 79.2m x 10.7m. Key features include its two boilers, a compound expansion engine, and a single shaft, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs.
How challenging is diving the SS City of Swansea shipwreck, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving the SS City of Swansea shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Furthermore, it is designated as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require careful planning and execution. Therefore, it is not suitable for all experience levels and is best undertaken by divers with appropriate training and experience in wreck diving.
What are the best times of year to dive the SS City of Swansea shipwreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year to dive the SS City of Swansea shipwreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What diving certifications are required to dive the SS City of Swansea shipwreck?
Given the SS City of Swansea shipwreck's maximum depth of 40 meters and its classification as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck," divers would typically require advanced open water certification or equivalent. Additionally, specialized training in wreck diving is highly recommended to safely navigate and appreciate this historic site.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions at the SS City of Swansea shipwreck site?
The provided data for the SS City of Swansea shipwreck does not include specific details regarding typical visibility or current conditions. Divers should always consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date information on site conditions before planning their dive.