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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at dive sites near Derna, Libya?
The provided data describes the "Derna (Probably)" dive site located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Derna, Libya. At this UK wreck site, divers can expect a depth of 39 meters. We do not have information regarding typical diving depths for Derna, Libya in our current database.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Derna, Libya?
Our current data pertains to the "Derna (Probably)" dive site in the United Kingdom, which is a steam ship vessel sunk in 1912. This wreck, measuring 82.9m x 11.8m, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine. Information about marine life or underwater features specific to Derna, Libya, is not available in the provided context.
How challenging are the dive sites around Derna, Libya, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The data provided details the "Derna (Probably)" dive site in Cornwall & Devon, which is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. Due to this rating and a depth of 39m, it may not be suitable for beginner divers. We do not have specific difficulty ratings for dive sites around Derna, Libya.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Derna, Libya, for optimal conditions?
The provided information does not include details on the best time of year for optimal diving conditions in Derna, Libya. Similarly, specific seasonal information for the "Derna (Probably)" dive site in the United Kingdom is not available in this context. For general guidance, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving in Derna, Libya?
Based on the data for the "Derna (Probably)" dive site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which has an intermediate difficulty and a depth of 39m, advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent are recommended. This allows divers to safely explore deeper wrecks. We do not have specific certification requirements for Derna, Libya.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like at dive sites near Derna, Libya?
The provided data does not contain information regarding typical underwater currents or visibility conditions for dive sites near Derna, Libya. Furthermore, specific details on currents and visibility for the "Derna (Probably)" dive site in the United Kingdom are not available in this context.