ERNEST LAGOUVE - Cornwall & Devon

The *Ernest Lagouve* isn't a deep dive, but it's one that really gets under your skin. Lying at 39 metres, this steel barque, torpedoed in 1917, is a proper chunk of history on the seabed. We love dropping down onto the main deck, the sheer scale of the ship immediately apparent. You can swim through the holds, imagining them crammed with bagged cement, now home to ling and conger eels that peer out from every crevice. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where the prop shaft leads away, swallowed by the darkness. It’s a silty wreck, so good buoyancy is key, but the visibility can be surprisingly decent, especially on a neap tide. The feeling of swimming alongside such a large, intact vessel from another era is quite something. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and aren't afraid of a bit of gloom. You’ll find squat lobsters clinging to the fallen masts and plumose anemones blooming across the ironwork, a real testament to how nature reclaims these sunken giants.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.522984, -1.480665
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 ERNEST LAGOUVE

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 ERNEST LAGOUVE

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 Ernest Lagouve wreck?
The Ernest Lagouve wreck is typically found at a depth of 39 meters. This makes it a dive suitable for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and the challenges associated with them.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Ernest Lagouve dive site?
Divers exploring the Ernest Lagouve wreck can expect to encounter remnants of a steel-built barque rigged sailing vessel, sunk on April 5, 1917. The wreck carried a cargo of bagged cement and was torpedoed, offering a glimpse into its dramatic history. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often attract a variety of local species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Ernest Lagouve wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner wreck divers?
The Ernest Lagouve wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty and is considered a dangerous wreck. With a depth of 39 meters, it is not suitable for beginner wreck divers and requires appropriate experience and training for safe exploration.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the Ernest Lagouve wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Ernest Lagouve wreck does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resources.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Ernest Lagouve wreck, especially for penetration?
Given the Ernest Lagouve wreck's depth of 39 meters and intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is recommended. For any penetration into this dangerous wreck, specialized wreck diving certifications and appropriate training are essential to ensure diver safety.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Ernest Lagouve dive site?
Our current data for the Ernest Lagouve dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers should always check local dive reports and conditions immediately prior to their dive for the most up-to-date information.