HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the *Bittern* is always an adventure, and yes, the "probably" in the name just adds to the charm. Dropping to 54 metres, this C-class destroyer, sunk after a collision in 1918, is a deep dive, making it one for experienced technical divers. We love the way the wreck has settled, largely intact, offering glimpses into its past. You can still make out the twin shafts and the general lines of her hull, often draped in thick layers of plumose anemones, their tentacles swaying gently in the current. The *Bittern* is a proper historical dive, not just a pile of scrap. We find the bow section particularly compelling, sometimes with schooling pollack darting through the rusted plating. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble here, typical for the Channel, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, the sheer scale of the wreck at that depth is something else. Our favourite moments are often spent just drifting along the deck, imagining her 12-pounder guns and torpedo tubes, now long gone, but the ghosts of them remain. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into any available crevice; they’re often bigger than you’d expect. This site really suits divers who appreciate the history as much as the challenge of a deeper wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.302032, -3.001383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY)

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 BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY)

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 typical depth range for diving the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck, considering reported discrepancies?
The HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck is situated at a depth of 54m. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration. The provided data specifies a single depth and does not indicate a range or discrepancies.
What marine life and identifiable structural remains can divers expect to encounter on the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) dive site?
Divers exploring the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a 64.3m x 6.7m 'C' class destroyer, built in 1897 by Vickers. Identifiable structural features include its two triple expansion engines, twin shafts, and armament such as one 12PDR gun, five 6PDR guns, and two torpedo tubes. The provided data does not specify particular marine life encounters on this site.
How difficult is the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck dive, and what factors contribute to its challenge level?
The HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This challenge level is primarily due to its significant depth of 54m, which necessitates advanced diving skills and proper gas management. As a wreck dive, it also presents considerations for overhead environments and potential entanglement.
What is the best time of year or season to dive the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions and visibility. Divers planning a trip to Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for current conditions and when to dive recommendations.
What specific scuba diving certifications are required or strongly recommended for diving the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck?
Given the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck's depth of 54m and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess advanced deep diving certifications. Technical diving qualifications, such as those for extended range or trimix, are strongly recommended to safely manage the depth and potential decompression obligations. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for such challenging dives.
What are the usual current strengths and underwater visibility conditions at the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) dive site?
The provided data for the HMS BITTERN (PARTS OF)(PROBABLY) wreck does not include details on usual current strengths or underwater visibility conditions. For up-to-date information on these factors, it is advisable to contact local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive.