FOREMOST 49

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Blackpill, Swansea

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - FOREMOST 49 offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.