Elena R (Wreck) - Cornwall & Devon

The Elena R, she’s a proper workhorse of a wreck, and we love her for it. Sitting upright on the seabed at 24 metres, she’s largely intact and offers some fantastic penetration for the suitably qualified. We’ve spent many hours nosing around her stern, particularly, where the propeller shaft is still clearly visible, and the engine room is a brilliant, tight squeeze. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble here, like much of the UK, but on a good day, when the sun catches the superstructure, it's just brilliant. What really sells the Elena R for us isn't just the history of the old coaster, but how marine life has absolutely embraced her. The deck plating is thick with plumose anemones, like shaggy white carpets, and lobsters peek out from every conceivable crevice. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the sand nearby, and conger eels are often found coiled in the deeper, darker sections. It's an intermediate dive, no strong currents usually, but good buoyancy is a must if you want to explore inside without stirring up decades of silt. Dive her on a slack tide for the best experience; it just makes life easier down there.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.522800, -2.284500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Studland to Portland

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 Elena R (Wreck)

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 Elena R (Wreck)

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