HMS FISGARD II - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Fisgard II, originally the ironclad battleship Invincible, rests at 46 metres and offers a proper deep wreck dive. We love the sheer scale of it, an 85-metre hull that demands multiple visits to properly appreciate. Dropping down, you feel the history, knowing this vessel was once a formidable warship before its transformation into a training ship and eventual sinking in 1914 while under tow. Visually, it's a spectacle of metal and marine growth. Plumose anemones blanket the structure in a furry white carpet, especially in the darker, less exposed sections. Schools of pout and juvenile pollack dart through the skeletal remains of the deck, and we've often spotted hefty conger eels peering from behind collapsed bulkheads – they love the sheltered nooks here. On a clear day, with decent visibility, the sheer length of the wreck materialises out of the green, a truly impressive sight. This site really suits experienced wreck divers comfortable with depth and colder UK waters. We’d suggest Nitrox for extended bottom time, and definitely a good torch to pick out the details. The current can be brisk, so slack water is your friend here.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.417260, -2.451310
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 FISGARD II

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 FISGARD II

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