HMS ASAMA - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Asama is a proper piece of history, just off the coast and lying in a shallow 9 metres. It’s an old trawler, requisitioned as a minesweeper in WWII and sadly sunk by aircraft in 1941. For us, that backstory gives it real character – you’re not just diving a lump of metal, you’re diving a wartime grave. What we love about the Asama is how accessible it is, even for newer divers, but it’s still fascinating enough to keep experienced wreck hounds happy. The wreck itself is reasonably intact, spread across the seabed, and you can still make out the main features of the ship. We've spent hours poking around the bow and stern sections, imagining it in its working days. Visibility can be a bit hit-and-miss, like much of the UK, but on a good day, the structure comes into sharp focus. Keep an eye out for plenty of conger eels in the nooks and crannies – they’re a common sight here – and the usual suspects like blennies and crabs making themselves at home amongst the plates. It’s a great site for a relaxed explore, especially on a slack tide, and a solid choice when you want a tangible link to the past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.342243, -4.148361
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Plymouth Sound Shores and Cliffs

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 ASAMA

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 ASAMA

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