HMS BUCCANEER - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Buccaneer is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Lying at 43 metres, she’s a proper expedition, a serious dive for experienced wreck heads, but absolutely worth the planning. This former tug, accidentally sunk by shellfire in 1946, sits upright and largely intact. As you drop onto her, the sheer scale becomes apparent; 50 metres of steel, dark against the sometimes murky green water that’s so typical of UK diving. We love exploring her holds, dark caverns where the light just barely penetrates, and the way the superstructure still looms over the seabed. The triple expansion engine is a particular highlight, a tangle of pipes and machinery that’s surprisingly well preserved. We’ve often found conger eels here, huge, thick bodies wedged into the tightest spaces, watching you with an almost bored indifference. Look out for the nudibranchs too; colourful splashes against the rust, particularly on the more exposed sections. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in this part of the world, so pick your day carefully. Slack water is essential to truly appreciate the Buccaneer without battling the currents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.489532, -2.696167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 BUCCANEER

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 BUCCANEER

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