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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at popular sites in Donegal, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
For the specific wreck site known as DONEGAL (POSSIBLY), the depth is 48 meters. The provided data focuses solely on this particular intermediate-difficulty wreck. Information regarding typical diving depths across other popular sites in the broader Donegal area, or options for both shallow and deep dives beyond this wreck, is not available in the current context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter when diving in Donegal, including any notable wrecks or geological formations?
When diving the DONEGAL (POSSIBLY) site, divers will explore a notable steam ship wreck. This vessel, built in 1904 and sunk on April 17, 1917, by a German torpedo, measures 100.9m x 12.8m and is classified as a non-dangerous wreck. Details on specific marine life or geological formations at this site are not provided in the available data.
How challenging is diving in Donegal, and are there suitable dive sites for beginners, intermediate, and advanced divers?
The specific DONEGAL (POSSIBLY) wreck site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This 48-meter deep wreck is suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience for such conditions. Information regarding other dive sites in the broader Donegal area, or options specifically for beginners or advanced divers, is not available in the provided data.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Donegal for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive in Donegal for optimal conditions or marine life sightings is not provided in the available data. Divers interested in the DONEGAL (POSSIBLY) wreck should consult local dive operators for current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive in Donegal, especially for exploring deeper wrecks or more challenging sites?
While the DONEGAL (POSSIBLY) wreck is an intermediate dive at 48 meters, specific scuba diving certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data. Divers planning to explore this deep wreck should possess certifications appropriate for technical or deep diving. Always verify requirements with local dive centers.
What are the usual water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Donegal dive sites, and how do they vary?
The provided data does not include information on the usual water conditions, visibility, or currents for the DONEGAL (POSSIBLY) dive site or any other sites in the broader Donegal area. Divers should consult local resources for up-to-date environmental information before planning a dive.