HELWICK LT FLOAT - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the Helwick Light Vessel wreck, you’re greeted by the ghostly silhouette of its superstructure, upright and surprisingly intact on the seabed. We love how the strong currents, often a feature here, have kept the sand scoured, maintaining visibility around the wreck itself. It’s a proper expedition dive, down at 45 metres, making it one for experienced deep divers comfortable with deco. The Helwick has become a vibrant artificial reef. Expect to see conger eels peering from every dark recess, their heads like gnarled fists. Crayfish often scuttle across the decking, and if you bring a torch, the interior spaces reveal plumose anemones blooming in the perpetual twilight. Our favourite feature is the anchor chain, still snaking out from the bow, leading off into the gloom. We’d suggest diving this one on a neap tide to minimise the push, allowing more time to appreciate the light vessel’s unique character, a testament to wartime history now repurposed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.469933, -4.608926
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Limestone Coast of South West Wales / Arfordir Calchfaen de Orllewin Cymru

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 HELWICK LT FLOAT

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 HELWICK LT FLOAT

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