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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMT Apley dive site?
The HMT Apley dive site reaches a maximum depth of 34 meters. This makes it an excellent dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMT Apley?
Divers exploring the HMT Apley can expect to encounter the remains of a 36.7m x 6.6m trawler vessel, originally built in 1908 and sunk in 1917. Key features include its single boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, characteristic of its original design and later conversion to a minesweeper. While specific marine life data is not provided, wrecks in this region typically attract various local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the HMT Apley wreck dive, and what level of experience is recommended?
The HMT Apley wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have prior experience with wreck diving or deeper dives and be comfortable with the conditions typically found at 34 meters.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMT Apley for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMT Apley is not provided in the available data. Divers interested in seasonal conditions should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date advice, or check our when to dive guide for general information.
What diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the HMT Apley?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the HMT Apley's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 34 meters, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a Deep Diver specialty are highly recommended. These ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck explorations and proper equipment usage.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the HMT Apley dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details on typical currents or visibility conditions at the HMT Apley dive site. Divers should consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for current conditions before planning their dive.