wreck

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HMS BENTON CASTLE

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.