EMPRESS
Protected Area
Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark
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) - EMPRESS offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Empress, a barge lost in 1923, sits in just 7 metres of water, making it a great, accessible dive. We like it as a shallow introduction to wreck diving, particularly if you’re still building confidence or just want a relaxed potter. The wreck itself is quite broken up now, scattered across the seabed, but you can still pick out sections of hull plating and various bits of machinery. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into the crevices and plenty of wrasse darting amongst the twisted metal. It’s a good spot for an hour underwater, easily combined with a second dive nearby.
Typical EMPRESS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to EMPRESS
Dive shops near EMPRESS
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for EMPRESS
EMPRESS Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for EMPRESS, 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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