HAZELWOOD (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Now, the Hazelwood. We say "possibly" because identifying these older wrecks in the Channel can be a bit of a detective job, but whichever steamship she truly is, she’s a proper dive at 38 metres. You drop onto a big, broken-up hull, and it feels like stepping back in time. The ship lies in pieces, but the scale of her boilers is still impressive, and you can really get a sense of her engine room. What we love about this wreck is how much life has moved in. The plates and frames are thick with plumose anemones, creating these incredible, colourful carpets, and you’ll find conger eels peering out of every nook and cranny. Our favourite part is navigating through the collapsed structure; the light filtering down through the green water makes for some dramatic scenes. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of current, which can pick up here. Head out on a slack tide for the best visibility.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.475037, -1.856649
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 HAZELWOOD (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 HAZELWOOD (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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the SS Hazelwood shipwreck near the Isle of Wight?
The SS Hazelwood wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, has a typical depth of 38 meters. This makes it a moderately deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SS Hazelwood dive site?
Divers exploring the SS Hazelwood wreck can expect to see the remains of a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 99.1m x 14.6m. Key features include its two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 273 NHP, and a single shaft, all part of its 1894 construction. This non-dangerous wreck offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.
How challenging is diving the SS Hazelwood wreck, and what factors contribute to its difficulty?
Diving the SS Hazelwood wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification is primarily due to its depth of 38 meters, which requires divers to have advanced training and experience in deeper water environments.
What are the best times of year to dive the SS Hazelwood for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the SS Hazelwood wreck does not specify the best times of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the SS Hazelwood shipwreck?
Given the SS Hazelwood wreck's intermediate difficulty and depth of 38 meters, divers are typically required or recommended to hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck diving.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions encountered when diving the SS Hazelwood?
The provided data for the SS Hazelwood wreck does not include specific details regarding usual current or visibility conditions. Divers should always check local conditions with a reputable dive operator before planning their dive.