DONEGAL (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

We've always had a soft spot for the Donegal, even with the slightly ominous "possibly" tacked onto its name. This isn't a shallow splash; she sits at 48m, demanding respect and good planning, but what a reward. As you descend through the often green Cornish water, the scale of her starts to emerge, a real shadow on the seabed. She was a passenger steamship, later a hospital ship, and you can sense that history down there. The wreck itself is remarkably intact for her age and circumstances. We love exploring the bow section, often finding conger eels poking curious heads from portholes that once let light into passenger cabins. Her engine room is a highlight, with the triple-expansion engine still a commanding presence, encrusted now with jewel anemones and dead man's fingers. Visibility can vary wildly here, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, the sight of schools of pollack shimmering above the superstructure is something special. This is definitely one for experienced divers who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't put off by the depth or the typically cooler UK waters.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.440500, -0.838800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 DONEGAL (POSSIBLY)

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 DONEGAL (POSSIBLY)

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