FORT YALE - Cornwall & Devon

Fort Yale isn’t just a wreck; it’s a sprawling piece of history, and we love how much there is to explore down there. This steamship, sunk twice – once by a mine, then finished off by a U-boat torpedo – really tells a story. At 133 metres long, there’s enough hull to keep you busy for a few dives. We often find ourselves just following the sheer scale of it, from the bow, sometimes standing proud, all the way along to the stern, which usually holds the most interest. What makes it for us is the way the wreck has become part of the seabed. Visibility can be a bit challenging, this is the English Channel after all, but on a good day, you get glimpses of giant plumose anemones clinging to the metal, and conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating. Our favourite part has to be looking for the bigger fish, the cod and pollack that patrol the deeper sections. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a real narrative, best suited for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and potentially strong currents. Bring your best torch, you’ll want to poke into every corner.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.382330, -0.958717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 FORT YALE

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 FORT YALE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Fort Yale?
The typical depth for scuba diving at Fort Yale is 42 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration of this historic wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see at Fort Yale?
Divers exploring Fort Yale can expect to encounter a significant underwater attraction- the remains of a 133.5m x 17.4m steam ship vessel. This historic wreck, sunk in 1944, serves as a fascinating artificial reef. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks commonly become vibrant habitats for various species, which divers can learn more about in our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Fort Yale, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Fort Yale is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a depth of 42 meters and its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," this site is not suitable for beginners. Divers should possess advanced training and experience to safely explore this challenging environment.
What is the best time of year to dive at Fort Yale for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at Fort Yale. For general guidance on diving conditions in Cornwall & Devon, please consult our When to Dive section for typical seasonal information.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Fort Yale dive site?
Given the intermediate difficulty and the depth of 42 meters at Fort Yale, divers would typically require advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. Exploring a "Dangerous wreck" at this depth also suggests the need for specialized wreck diving or deep diving training to ensure safety and proper exploration techniques.
What are the prevailing currents and general water conditions like at Fort Yale for divers?
The provided data for Fort Yale does not include specific information regarding prevailing currents or general water conditions. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents, visibility, and water temperatures before their dive.