EMPIRE CRUSADER
Protected Area
Wight-Barfleur Reef
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - EMPIRE CRUSADER offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *Empire Crusader* sits upright on the seabed at 35 metres, a proper steamship wreck that still feels like a ship. Built in Germany in 1925, then captured and pressed into British service, she went down in 1940. We find the bow section particularly intact, with the holds offering straightforward penetration for those with the right training. Look for conger eels peering from the darker recesses and the usual suspects of ballan wrasse patrolling the decks. It’s a solid dive for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts, especially when the visibility kicks in during a calm spell.
Typical EMPIRE CRUSADER Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (35m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to EMPIRE CRUSADER
Dive shops near EMPIRE CRUSADER
Divers Down
TAL Scuba Ltd.
Mayim Mermaid Academy
In2 Diving
Dorset Diving Services
Andark Diving
Reviews for EMPIRE CRUSADER
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for EMPIRE CRUSADER
EMPIRE CRUSADER Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for EMPIRE CRUSADER, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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