wreck

Log This Dive

CRUSADER

The Crusader, lying off Plymouth, isn't a deep dive, making it accessible for a good range of experience levels. It’s an old Admiralty lighter, sunk as an exercise target back in the 1950s, so you’re looking at a wreck that’s been down a while, totally integrated into the local ecosystem. What we love about the Crusader is how intact she remains for her age and location. You can still make out the superstructure, the hull plates, and plenty of internal structure to poke your head into. Vis can be typical Channel stuff, sometimes a bit murky, sometimes surprisingly clear especially on a slack tide, which is always our preferred time to drop in. On a good day, the light plays through the openings, illuminating the clouds of pouting and juvenile pollack that call the wreck home. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into the dark recesses; they’re pretty common here. We think the Crusader is a fantastic dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a wreck with a bit of history, without the pressure of extreme depth or current. It feels substantial, but still navigable, offering plenty of nooks to investigate without getting too lost.