GRIP FAST - Cornwall & Devon

The Grip Fast, sitting at 18 metres, is one of those wrecks that just hums with history. She went down carrying coal in 1893, and you can really feel that sense of a working vessel. We love dropping onto her stern, often the most intact section, where you’ll find the propeller still largely in place, usually covered in a thick carpet of plumose anemones swaying in the surge. Her hull plates have started to peel away in places, creating these lovely swim-throughs where you can duck in and out, observing dogfish tucked into crevices and small schools of bib darting through the shadowed corridors. Penetration isn't really on the cards here, but the decay has opened her up beautifully for exploration from the outside. Look for the large boiler midships, now home to crabs and lobsters. Visibility here can be hit or miss; on a good day, when the sun filters through, the wreck feels alive, the metal glinting through the green water. Our best dives have always been on a neap tide, allowing for a relaxed exploration of her full 61-metre length. She’s a fantastic dive for anyone who appreciates a proper old steamer and the marine life that has truly made it home.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.559616, -1.164333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

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 GRIP FAST

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 GRIP FAST

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 diving the Gripfast wreck?
The Gripfast wreck is typically dived at a depth of 18 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers looking to explore a fascinating piece of maritime history.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Gripfast dive site?
Divers exploring the Gripfast wreck can expect to see the remains of a 61m x 8.5m steam ship vessel, including its single boiler and compound expansion engine. This wreck, which carried coal, offers a glimpse into late 19th-century maritime engineering. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often attract a variety of local species.
How difficult is the Gripfast dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Gripfast dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic open water certification and be comfortable with wreck diving environments.
When is the best time of year to dive Gripfast for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Gripfast wreck for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local dive reports or contacting a Cornwall & Devon dive center for current conditions.
Are there any specific certifications, like deep diver or nitrox, recommended for diving the Gripfast wreck?
Given the Gripfast wreck's depth of 18 meters, a standard Open Water certification is sufficient for reaching the site. However, its intermediate difficulty suggests that an Advanced Open Water certification or experience with wreck diving techniques would be beneficial for a more comfortable and enjoyable dive.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Gripfast dive site?
Details regarding the usual current conditions and visibility at the Gripfast dive site are not specified in the available data. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information on these factors.