wreck

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HMS APLEY (POSSIBLY)

There’s something about a shipwreck that still leaves us a bit giddy, and the HMS Apley (possibly!) is a fine example of why. Dropping down to 34 metres, you’ll find a solid trawler, a proper piece of history from 1917. She’s not massive at 36.7 metres long, but there’s enough here to keep you poking around for a good hour. We love how the structure feels just right for exploration, with plenty of nooks. Look for the engine room area, usually a favourite spot for conger eels to lurk – sometimes you’ll see several heads peeking out from the gloom. Around the edges, we often find plump Devon crabs scuttling over the plates. The visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as is typical for these waters, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure, making the wreck feel incredibly atmospheric. Our tip: aim for slack water; the currents here can really rip and make for a far less enjoyable dive. This site suits experienced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and the often-chilly embrace of the English Channel.