DALEGARTH FORCE (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Dalegarth Force* wreck, lying in around 35 metres, is a proper dive, one that truly feels like an exploration. We've spent many an hour here, finning along her length, piecing together the story of that torpedo strike in 1918. The stern section is particularly interesting, with her single boiler still prominent, and the triple-expansion engine a jumble of twisted metal. Visibility can swing wildly, as it often does in these waters, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the scale of the wreck really hits you. We’ve found her to be a fantastic spot for lobsters and conger eels, often tucked into the darker recesses. Look closely for plumose anemones carpeting the deeper plates, swaying gently in the current. It’s a challenging dive, best suited to experienced wreckies comfortable with deeper air limits and cooler temperatures. Our favourite way to dive it is on a slack tide, giving you maximum time to really poke around and appreciate her history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.849686, -4.708041
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Hartland Point to Tintagel

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 DALEGARTH FORCE (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 DALEGARTH FORCE (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 typical depth range for diving the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck?
The S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck is typically found at a depth of 35 meters. This makes it an excellent dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations and offers a significant challenge for divers. You can find more details about this dive site at S.S. Dalegarth Force.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck?
Divers exploring the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck can expect to encounter historical artifacts from its past as a steam ship vessel, including components like its boiler and triple expansion engine. Sunk in 1918 after being torpedoed, the wreck itself is a significant historical artifact. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making it a fascinating site for both history and underwater observation; explore more about marine life at our wildlife database.
How challenging is the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck dive, considering its location and potential conditions?
The S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for experienced divers. It is also categorized as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require careful planning and appropriate training. Divers should be prepared for conditions typical of the Cornwall & Devon region.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck for optimal conditions?
Specific data regarding the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions on the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck is not provided in our current records. We recommend consulting local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on seasonal conditions and visibility. General information on optimal diving times can be found on our When to Dive page.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to safely dive the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck?
Given the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck's depth of 35 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, an Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended. Furthermore, due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and its nature as a wreck dive, specialized wreck diving training would be highly beneficial for safe exploration.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions encountered when diving the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck in the Dover Straits?
It's important to note that the S.S. Dalegarth Force wreck is located off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not in the Dover Straits. Specific data regarding typical current and visibility conditions for this particular wreck is not provided in our current records. Divers should consult local dive centers for real-time conditions before planning their dive.