FOREMOST 45 - Cornwall & Devon

The Foremost 45 isn't just a dive; it’s a tangible piece of history sitting on the seabed. She was a self-propelled barge, carrying coal, when she hit a mine in November 1941, settling quickly and shallow. That shallow depth, 11 metres, is what makes her so special for us. We love the way the light filters down, even on a cloudy day, illuminating the wreck’s skeletal remains. You can really get a sense of her shape, the bow and stern still distinct, and the engine room is often accessible, a dark maw inviting exploration. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's the smaller, more intimate encounters we cherish. Conger eels are often tucked into dark crevices, their heads poking out warily, and the anemones, in particular, are brilliant – jewel anemones creating dazzling patches of colour across the metal. Our favourite time to dive her is on a slack tide, mid-week, when you often have the whole site to yourself. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys feeling a direct connection to the past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.362766, -3.274783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Barry Island

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 FOREMOST 45

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 FOREMOST 45

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