ETHEL (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Ethel, or what we’re pretty sure is the Ethel, sits deep off the Cornish coast, a proper wreck dive for those who like their history cold and dark. She went down in 1918, a torpedo victim, and now rests upright on the seabed at 34 metres. Descending, you feel the chill of the thermocline bite, then the ghostly outline of her bows emerges from the gloom. We love exploring the midships, where the triple expansion engine rises like a monstrous metal sculpture, draped in dead man's fingers. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where conger eels lurk in the twisted plates, their heads the size of small dogs. There are always pollack darting through the superstructure, and the occasional inquisitive bib will follow you along the deck. Visibility here is rarely spectacular, often 5-10 metres on a good day, but it lends a real atmosphere to the dive, a sense of discovery in the murk. This isn’t a colourful coral dive; it’s a dive for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the stark beauty of a century-old steel tomb and the hardy marine life that has claimed it. Bring a good torch and a keen eye.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.473385, -2.346600
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 ETHEL (PROBABLY)

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 ETHEL (PROBABLY)

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