ELMCREST (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Elmcrest wreck, sitting at 54 metres, is a serious dive for those with the training to get there. We’re talking about a significant piece of history here, a steamship torpedoed in 1940. When you descend, the sheer scale of her hull, 115 metres long, slowly emerges from the gloom. It’s a vast, dark shape, often swathed in a shifting tapestry of current-borne plankton. We love the fact that she’s relatively intact for a wreck of her age and depth. You can often make out the triple expansion engine, a hulking mass of metal that speaks volumes about the power that once drove her. Around the superstructure, conger eels find perfect ambush points, and if you bring a good torch, you'll pick out plumose anemones clinging to every surface, waving gently in the surge. This isn't a quick dip; it’s a commitment, a journey into the past, best suited for experienced technical divers comfortable with deeper, colder water and the strong currents that often sweep through this part of the Channel. Dive it on a slack tide, if you can time it right, and the visibility really improves.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.297825, -2.387979
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 ELMCREST (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 ELMCREST (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 is the typical depth range for diving the Elmwood Wreck?
The Elmcrest Wreck is found at a significant depth of 54 meters. This makes it a challenging deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life or specific features can divers expect to see at the Elmwood Wreck site?
Divers exploring the Elmcrest Wreck can expect to see the remains of a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 115.2m x 16.2m. Notable features include its triple expansion engines and the overall structure of a ship built in 1911 and sunk in 1940. While specific marine life is not listed, wrecks typically provide habitat for various marine species.
How difficult is the Elmwood Wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Elmcrest Wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 54 meters, it is definitely not suitable for beginner divers. This dive requires advanced training and experience in deep diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the Elmwood Wreck for optimal visibility and water conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and water conditions at the Elmcrest Wreck. For up-to-date information on seasonal conditions, we recommend checking our When to Dive section or contacting local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Elmwood Wreck?
Due to the Elmcrest Wreck's intermediate difficulty and depth of 54 meters, divers will generally require advanced certifications. This typically includes an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with specialized deep diving training. Always ensure your equipment and training are appropriate for such challenging dives.
Are there any notable currents or challenging water conditions at the Elmwood Wreck dive site?
The provided data does not specify any notable currents or challenging water conditions at the Elmcrest Wreck. While the dive is rated intermediate due to its 54m depth, specific current information is not available. It's always advisable to check with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for the most current conditions.