wreck

Log This Dive

HIMALAYA

The Himalaya wreck, just off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those sites we always come back to. She was originally a P&O paddler, built way back in 1853, though converted to screw propulsion before she even launched. That kind of history adds a real flavour to the dive. At only 11 metres, it's a perfect second dive or for those newer to wreck exploration. The wreck itself is well broken up, scattered across the seabed, but that's precisely what makes her interesting. We love tracing the distinct lines of her hull plates, finding where the ribs stick up like skeletal fingers, and imagining her former glory. There’s something evocative about seeing the bones of such an old ship. Visibility can be a bit changeable here, but on a good day, the light filtering through the green water makes the metal gleam. Look closely among the wreckage, and you'll spot plenty of dab and plaice flattened against the sand, along with inquisitive wrasse darting between the plates. We've even seen the occasional conger eel peeking out from under a larger section of plating. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical search, rather than a quick swim-through. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny morning, just after high tide, when the water has had a chance to settle and the light penetrates best.