ELSA (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Elsa, a Norwegian steamer, went down in 1918 and now sits upright at 45 metres. She’s a big wreck, over 100 metres long, and because she’s so intact, she offers some truly excellent penetration opportunities for suitably qualified divers. We love dropping down the shot line and seeing her emerge from the gloom, the twin boilers standing proud, the triple expansion engine still impressive. Her scale alone is impressive. You can explore her length, picking out deck fittings encrusted with plumose anemones, and peer into cargo holds that now house bib and conger eels. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss in the English Channel, but on a good day, watching the light filter down onto the stern, where the prop shaft leads to a huge, four-bladed propeller, is pretty special. It's a deep dive, requiring proper planning and gas management, but for those with the experience, the Elsa is a seriously rewarding piece of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.353950, -3.443267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

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 ELSA (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 ELSA (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 at Elsa's Reef?
The dive site, known as Elsa (Possibly), is a wreck dive with a reported depth of 45 meters. Divers should be prepared for deep diving conditions at this site, which is located off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Elsa's Reef?
Divers at Elsa (Possibly) can explore the impressive remains of a 102.1m x 14.6m steam ship vessel, which sank on January 24, 1918. This wreck, built in 1904, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine, offering fascinating structural elements to discover. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making it a potential spot for marine encounters.
How difficult is diving at Elsa's Reef, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Elsa (Possibly) is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 45 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is not suitable for beginners. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for deep and wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to dive Elsa's Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters at Elsa (Possibly). For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Elsa's Reef?
Given the 45-meter depth and intermediate difficulty of Elsa (Possibly), advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and knowledge for safe exploration of this deep wreck. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for such dives.
What are the usual water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Elsa's Reef?
Information regarding the usual water conditions, visibility, and currents at Elsa (Possibly) is not available in the current data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before their dive. This will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.