HMS DARK GLADIATOR - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Dark Gladiator isn't a dive for the casual enthusiast, but for those who love deep, challenging wrecks, it’s a proper expedition. We’re talking 57 metres, so twin-sets and proper trimix training are non-negotiable. What you get for the effort is a remarkably intact patrol boat, sitting upright on the seabed. It was sunk as a target, so don't expect a lot of personal effects or a dramatic backstory, but the structure itself is fascinating. Visibility here can swing wildly; on a good day, you'll see the whole 20-metre length clearly, and the dark shape resolves itself from the gloom as you descend. Our favourite part is the bow section; it's still quite pointed, and you can imagine it cutting through waves. Over the decades, the superstructure has softened under a thick carpet of plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the faint current. Look closely and you’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and sometimes a ling or a conger eel has made a home in the engine room. This isn't a dive for the faint-hearted, but for technical divers who appreciate a substantial, deep wreck in UK waters, it's a very rewarding trip.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.168335, -2.123333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
57m

Marine Protected Area: West of Wight-Barfleur

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 DARK GLADIATOR

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 DARK GLADIATOR

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