DIADEM OF BURSLEDON (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

This wreck, almost certainly the *Diadem of Bursledon*, is one of our favourite finds off the Cornish coast. Dropping down to 28 metres, you’ll find a sloop that sank in 1970, and she’s truly come alive since then. We love poking around her broken hull, watching how the light catches the metallic gleam of shoals of pollack that dart in and out of the ribs. The structure is wonderfully colonised by jewel anemones and dead man's fingers, creating these vibrant explosions of colour against the rusted metal. It’s a site that really comes into its own on a calm day; even with 10-15m visibility, the atmosphere is incredible as the wreck emerges from the green. For experienced divers who appreciate history and the way nature reclaims man-made objects, this is a special dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.741300, -1.071167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: St Helen's Duver & Priory Wood

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 DIADEM OF BURSLEDON (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 DIADEM OF BURSLEDON (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