DERNA (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the *Derna* is a proper plunge into history. This old steamship, resting upright at 39 meters, is a substantial wreck, and we reckon it’s one of the best deeper historical dives in the area. Dropping down, you’ll find the bow section still quite intact, often shrouded in a shoal of pout whiting. We love finning past the main hold, which is now a haven for crabs and lobsters tucked into every crevice. Our favourite part is navigating towards the twin boilers, massive cylinders encrusted with dead man's fingers, where conger eels have set up shop. The stern is more broken, but gives a great sense of the sheer power of the triple-expansion engine. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, with a bit of ambient light, the scale of the *Derna* is truly impressive. This is a dive for those comfortable at depth, who appreciate the silent stories a ship tells after a century on the seabed.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.453888, -2.005278
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 DERNA (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 DERNA (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