HMS FOYLE - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the HMS Foyle is like stepping back in time, the kind of deep historical wreck we really appreciate. It’s a destroyer, snapped clean in two, the bow section lying at 45 metres. You can really feel the story here, picturing the moment she took that mine in 1917. We love tracing the lines of the hull, still remarkably intact for her age and location. Look closely and you’ll find conger eels peering from every dark hole, and often lobsters tucked under plating. The metalwork, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones, feels almost alive. We’d suggest picking a slack tide, the current here can run. Visibility, when it’s good, can hit 10 metres, letting you appreciate the scale. This one is definitely for the experienced wreck diver, comfortable at depth and keen for a proper challenge, with a payoff of proper history and plenty of life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.278816, -4.180950
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

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 FOYLE

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 FOYLE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS Foyle dive site?
The HMS Foyle dive site reaches a maximum depth of 45 meters. This makes it a dive suitable for experienced divers comfortable with deeper wreck explorations.
What can divers expect to see on the HMS Foyle wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Foyle can expect to encounter the remains of a destroyer vessel, measuring 68.6m x 10.1m. This non-dangerous wreck, built in 1903, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history, having sunk on March 15, 1917, after striking a mine.
How challenging is diving the HMS Foyle wreck?
Diving the HMS Foyle wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some experience with wreck diving and be comfortable with deeper profiles, given its maximum depth of 45 meters.
When is the best time of year to dive HMS Foyle for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, there is no specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMS Foyle dive site. Divers interested in seasonal conditions should consult local dive operators or the When to Dive section for general guidance.
What diving certifications are required to dive HMS Foyle?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required for the HMS Foyle wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 45 meters, an advanced open water certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck diving training, would typically be recommended.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the HMS Foyle dive site?
The available data for the HMS Foyle dive site does not include details on typical currents or visibility. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on these conditions.