FOREMOST 49 - Cornwall & Devon

The Foremost 49 isn't about depth or pristine visibility, it’s about history you can touch, right there in the shallows. We love this site for its accessibility and just how much character this old dredger still holds. Sunk in 1942 after a run-in with the SS Loke, she lies broken but very much present, an excellent introduction to wreck diving. You’ll find her spread across a sandy seabed at just 4 metres, a jumble of steel plates, twisted girders, and machinery. We always appreciate how the light plays on the exposed ribs and sections of the hull, illuminating the nooks and crannies where conger eels like to lurk. Look closely, and you’ll spot crab claws waving from crevices and small shoals of pollack darting between the wreckage. It’s a site that really comes alive on a sunny day with good light, perfect for extended bottom times and getting comfortable navigating around an artificial reef. Our tip: go at slack tide for the easiest exploration, and bring a torch to peer into the darker corners. While it's relatively shallow, the broken nature of the wreck means good buoyancy control is key to avoiding stirring up the sand. It’s a top pick for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed dive with a real sense of place.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.602398, -3.930081
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Blackpill, Swansea

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 49

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 49

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