DUDLEY ROSE - Cornwall & Devon

We love the Dudley Rose for its sheer scale and the way it’s settled on the seabed. This isn’t a pick for a quick dip; at 35 metres, it's a dive for those comfortable with depth and a bit of current. Built in 1929, this steamship went down in 1941, and now she lies upright, largely intact. You'll drop down onto the deck, often finding a gentle drift along her length. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where the triple expansion engine and two massive boilers are still prominent. The sheer size of the machinery is humbling. Inside the holds, you can often spot conger eels poking their heads out, and the plating is absolutely smothered in jewel anemones, glowing orange and pink under your torch. It’s a proper wreck dive, offering plenty to penetrate if you’ve got the training, or just to explore from the outside. Visibility can be decent here, especially after a spell of settled weather, but always check the local conditions – it can be a dark dive otherwise.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.394535, -3.440500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham Point

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 DUDLEY ROSE

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 DUDLEY ROSE

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 is the maximum depth divers can expect at the Dudley Rose dive site?
The maximum depth divers can expect at the Dudley Rose dive site is 35 meters. This depth makes it suitable for divers with appropriate deep diving certifications and experience.
What marine life and specific wreck features are typically seen when diving the Dudley Rose?
The Dudley Rose is a steam ship vessel, sunk in 1941, offering divers the chance to explore its significant wreck features. Key components include its two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 232NHP, and a single shaft. The wreck measures 76.2m x 11.3m, providing an extensive site for exploration.
How difficult is the Dudley Rose wreck dive, and what factors contribute to its challenge?
The Dudley Rose wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to its maximum depth of 35 meters and its classification as a 'Dangerous wreck,' which indicates potential hazards requiring experienced diving skills.
What is the best time to dive the Dudley Rose wreck, considering tides and other conditions?
Based on the provided data, specific information regarding the best time to dive the Dudley Rose wreck, including tides and other conditions, is not available. We recommend consulting local dive operators for up-to-date conditions and optimal diving windows for when to dive this site.
What diving certifications are required to safely dive the Dudley Rose?
Given the Dudley Rose's maximum depth of 35 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess certifications appropriate for deep wreck diving. Typically, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification along with a Deep Diver specialty, or equivalent technical diving certifications, would be recommended to safely explore this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Dudley Rose dive site?
The provided data does not specify the typical current or visibility conditions at the Dudley Rose dive site. For the most accurate and current information on these factors, it is always best to consult local dive centers or experienced guides familiar with the Cornwall & Devon region.