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HMS CAPEL

The HMS Capel, a former US destroyer escort, lies broken at 55 metres. We love this wreck for its sheer size and the way it’s been torn apart, a testament to that torpedo strike from U-486 back in '44. Descending onto the Capel is like dropping into a different world; the light fades quickly, and the wreck emerges from the gloom, often draped in fishing nets. What you find here are serious pieces of history. The bow section is particularly impressive, with cannons still pointing skywards, encrusted in jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers. There are plenty of swim-throughs into the engine room and other compartments, but watch your deco and your gas – it’s a deep dive and often prone to strong currents. We’ve seen conger eels the size of small sharks lurking in the darker corners and schools of bib darting through the superstructure. Our favourite part has to be the stern, lying on its side, almost inviting you to explore its damaged propeller shaft. It’s a dive for experienced technical divers, no question, offering a real sense of adventure and a tangible link to a wartime tragedy.