HMS BENTON CASTLE - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS BENTON CASTLE sits deep, a proper century-old wreck off the Devon coast. She was a trawler, requisitioned for patrol during WWI, and she sank in 1916. We love these older wrecks; they tell a story, even if it's just in the way the metal has buckled and twisted over time. Dropping down, the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale of the fishing nets draped across her. They’re a real hazard, so decent buoyancy and a knife are non-negotiable here. We usually find conger eels tucked into every dark corner, and the light filtering down through the green water gives the whole scene a moody, ethereal feel. Her boiler is still largely intact, a big, imposing cylinder that’s become home to a riot of plumose anemones. It’s a dive for those comfortable at depth, with good cold-water gear, and a genuine interest in maritime history. This isn't a casual splash; it's a deep exploration of a piece of the past, now very much a part of the seabed.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.309067, -3.528750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Slapton Ley

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 BENTON CASTLE

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 BENTON CASTLE

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