EILEEN (LO 27) - Cornwall & Devon

The EILEEN is one of our favourite Cornwall wrecks, even if she’s not the biggest. Sunk in 1972, this 12-meter fishing vessel sits upright in 29 metres of water, offering a surprisingly intact dive. We love nosing around the wheelhouse, which is still fairly recognisable, and poking into the holds where the fishing gear used to be. You can often see conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, their heads peering out like grumpy landlords. The decks are a carpet of jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers, especially vibrant in the shafts of light that occasionally penetrate the green water. This isn't a dive for those seeking dramatic swim-throughs, but for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and macro life, it’s excellent. The relative shallowness for a UK wreck at this depth means decent bottom times and often good visibility, particularly on a neap tide. We’d suggest going in late summer or early autumn for the best chance of settled conditions. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the sand nearby, and the occasional curious seal might even pop in for a visit. It’s a proper little shipwreck, the kind you can explore without feeling rushed, and it’s always a rewarding dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.572260, -0.873139
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 EILEEN (LO 27)

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 EILEEN (LO 27)

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