ESSONITE (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Essonite, or what we strongly suspect is the Essonite, is a proper technical dive, sitting deep at 56 metres. This isn't one for a quick splash, but if you're comfortable with the depth and the chill, it delivers a powerful experience. When we've dropped down, the sheer scale of the tanker feels immense, even at 53 metres long. You'll find yourself drifting over plating draped in dead man’s fingers and anemones, with conger eels peering from every dark recess. We've seen ling nosing around the collapsed sections, and if you’re lucky, a curious dogfish might glide past. The wreck’s character is defined by its history; torpedoed in 1917, you can almost feel the weight of its story. It’s a somber, silent place, best for experienced tech divers who appreciate a quiet, historical encounter rather than a colourful reef. Pick a day with minimal surge and aim for slack tide; otherwise, it’s a challenging drift.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.646370, -5.069389
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: Trevose Head

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 ESSONITE (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 ESSONITE (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