HMS CRESTFLOWER - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS *Crestflower* is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to off the Cornish coast. At 36 metres, it’s a solid dive, perfect for those comfortable with a bit of depth and maybe some low visibility, which, let’s be honest, is part of the charm here. This converted trawler, sunk by German aircraft in 1940, lies largely intact on a silty seabed. We love dropping down onto her deck, the dark outline slowly resolving into a proper ship, not just a pile of rubble. You’ll find her upright, making for a really satisfying exploration. The superstructure offers plenty to peek into – we often see conger eels tucked into the shadowed doorways. Look for the single boiler standing proud midships; it’s a fantastic photo op when the light penetrates, even dimly. Around the stern, the propeller is often still visible, encrusted with dead man’s fingers and hydroids. Schools of pollack frequently mill around the mast, and we’ve even spotted John Dory hovering close to the seabed here, their distinctive spot almost glowing in the gloom. It’s a dive that rewards patient searching and a keen eye for history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.463203, -1.313500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Compton Chine to Steephill Cove

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 CRESTFLOWER

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 CRESTFLOWER

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