HARTBURN (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Hartburn is one of those deeper wrecks that really sticks with you, a proper historical piece lying off Start Point. We love diving a wreck that has a story, and the Hartburn, sunk by a mine in 1917, definitely delivers on that front. Dropping down, you’ll find her upright on the seabed at 48 metres, quite intact for her age. The two large boilers are usually the first thing that resolves out of the murk, standing proud and covered in plumose anemones, often swaying gently in the current. It’s a big wreck, 92 metres long, so you won’t see it all in one dive, especially at this depth. We’d suggest focusing on the midships around the engine room, where the triple expansion engine is still recognisable, or exploring the bow section. Look for conger eels tucked into the darker recesses and jewel anemones adding splashes of colour to the rust. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, but when it's good, seeing the scale of her materialise from the blue is quite something. This is a dive for experienced wreck divers comfortable with deco, a proper deep exploration rather than a casual swim.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.364400, -2.050917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 HARTBURN (PROBABLY)

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 HARTBURN (PROBABLY)

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 are the typical depths for diving the Hartburn wreck, and what is its shallowest point?
The Hartburn wreck is found at a depth of 48 meters. While the exact shallowest point isn't specified in our data, divers should be prepared for a deep dive to explore this historic steam ship. This depth categorizes it as a technical or advanced recreational dive.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the Hartburn wreck?
The Hartburn wreck, a steam ship sunk in 1917, offers a glimpse into maritime history with its structural remains. Divers can expect to see historical artifacts such as the vessel's two boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed in our current data for this site, wrecks often attract various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Hartburn dive site, and is it suitable for divers with only basic certifications?
The Hartburn dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 48 meters, it is not suitable for divers with only basic certifications. This dive requires advanced training and experience to safely explore the wreck.
What is considered the best time of year to dive the Hartburn wreck for optimal conditions?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Hartburn wreck. Divers planning a trip to the Cornwall & Devon region should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on seasonal conditions. You can also find general guidance on optimal diving seasons in our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or highly recommended to safely dive the Hartburn wreck?
To safely dive the Hartburn wreck, which is at a depth of 48 meters and classified as intermediate difficulty, advanced diving certifications are highly recommended. This typically includes certifications like Advanced Open Water Diver and potentially Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialties. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate training and equipment for deep wreck diving.
What are the usual currents, visibility, and water temperatures experienced at the Hartburn dive site?
Information regarding the usual currents, visibility, and water temperatures at the Hartburn dive site is not available in our current data. Divers planning to explore this 48-meter deep wreck should consult local dive centers for the most current environmental conditions before their dive.