HMS ELK (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Elk, or what we strongly suspect is the Elk, is one of those wrecks that just hits different. It’s not about pristine corals here, it’s about history, cold water, and the sheer joy of finding a solid piece of the past in the murk. Dropping down to 28m, you hit the bow first, often pushing through a curtain of bib and pollack that shimmer in the torchlight. We love exploring the stern, where the prop shaft stretches out, often home to some seriously big conger eels. What makes this wreck a standout for us is its integrity. You can trace the entire hull, even spot the anchor chain still running out from the hawse pipe. Look closely for the single boiler, it’s a classic, and the triple-expansion engine is still very much in place, a hulking mass of metal that’s become a condo for crabs and anemones. Visibility can swing wildly; we've had days where it’s 15 metres and felt like an aquarium, and others where it's 3 metres and you’re relying on touch. Slack water is key here, otherwise, you'll be battling a decent current. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the chill of a good UK wreck, suited for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and the occasional low vis challenge. Bring a good torch, you'll want to poke around every nook.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.307182, -4.171933
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Rame Head

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 ELK (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 ELK (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