HARTLEPOOL (PART OF) - Cornwall & Devon

The Hartlepool is a fascinating, if somewhat humbling, dive. She was torpedoed by an E-boat in 1940 and what’s left of her is very broken up and scattered across the seabed. Don’t come expecting an intact vessel; this is more of an archaeological treasure hunt. We love poking through the debris field, trying to piece together the ship's story from the twisted metal and scattered plates. At 10 metres, it's a shallow dive, perfect for extended bottom times and really taking your time to explore. Visibility here can be a bit variable, so we always check the local conditions – aim for a calm day with a neap tide for the best experience. Even on murkier days, the sheer volume of life that has colonised the wreck parts is impressive. Crabs scuttle under every crevice, lobsters peer out from larger sections of hull, and we’ve often seen schools of pollack hanging motionless above the larger sections of scattered steel. It’s a dive that rewards careful inspection and a curious mind, a real window into wartime history now reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.607468, -2.431117
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 HARTLEPOOL (PART OF)

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 HARTLEPOOL (PART OF)

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 for diving at the Hartlepool wreck site?
The typical depth for diving at the Hartlepool wreck site is 10 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow wreck dive, suitable for divers comfortable with intermediate conditions.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Hartlepool dive site?
Divers exploring the Hartlepool dive site will encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, sunk in 1940. The wreck is described as very broken and scattered, having been dispersed by explosives. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often serve as artificial reefs, attracting various species to explore; you can learn more about common species in our Wildlife Database.
How challenging is the Hartlepool dive site for different experience levels?
The Hartlepool dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should possess adequate experience and training for such conditions. This site is best suited for certified divers with some prior wreck diving experience.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the Hartlepool wreck?
The provided data for the Hartlepool wreck does not specify the best time of year or ideal conditions for diving. Generally, for wreck dives in the United Kingdom, calmer seas and good visibility are preferred for a more enjoyable and safer experience. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive the Hartlepool wreck?
Given the Hartlepool wreck is classified as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck," divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, a wreck diving specialty certification would be highly recommended to safely navigate the very broken and scattered remains of this vessel.
What are the usual currents and visibility like at the Hartlepool dive site?
The provided data for the Hartlepool dive site does not include specific information regarding usual currents or visibility conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date information on these factors before planning their dive.