HMS APLEY (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.617000, -0.934833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 HMS APLEY (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 HMS APLEY (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