HMS ELEANOR (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Eleanor (probably) isn’t just a dive, it’s a bit of an archaeological mystery. We love how the ‘probably’ in the name perfectly captures the spirit of diving these historical wrecks off Cornwall. Dropping down to 36 metres, you hit the bow first, often pushing through a hazy green layer where the light struggles to penetrate. But then the wreck emerges, quite dramatically. This isn’t a pick-apart-the-pieces kind of wreck. The Eleanor, a bulk carrier sunk in 1918, lies largely intact, though time and tide have certainly taken their toll. You can easily identify the two massive boilers, often swathed in plumose anemones, and the triple-expansion engine is still quite recognisable. Our favourite bits are always the cargo holds; they’re often packed with shoals of bib and pouting, swirling like liquid silver as you pass. Keep an eye out for resident conger eels tucked into any dark crevice. The site suits experienced divers comfortable with deeper, often low-visibility conditions. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a treasure hunt to piece together the ship’s story.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.501860, -1.673778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 ELEANOR (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 ELEANOR (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