GENERAL LEMAN (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The General Leman, for us, is a proper technical dive, and one that absolutely earns its standout status. Lying deep at 52 metres, this sailing vessel from 1918 offers a genuine piece of WWI history off the Cornish coast. Dropping down, the visibility here can be superb on a good day, giving you that thrilling first glimpse of the wreck emerging from the blue. We love how intact sections still stand, giving you plenty to navigate around and peer into. This isn’t a site for casual pottering. You need your trim dialled in and plenty of gas, but the rewards are there. Expect to find conger eels making homes in the deeper recesses, and the structural integrity means there are lots of shadowy nooks where inquisitive divers can shine a torch and spot smaller crustaceans tucked away. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet solemnity of a historical wreck, the challenge of depth, and the thrill of exploring something truly substantial. Our tip: pick a slack tide and a day with minimal swell for the most comfortable descent and the best chance of decent light penetration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.354618, -3.138317
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 GENERAL LEMAN (POSSIBLY)

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 GENERAL LEMAN (POSSIBLY)

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