HMS HARSTAD - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Harstad, lying deep at 51 metres off the Cornish coast, is one of those wrecks that just gets under your skin. We've spent a good few decompression stops thinking about the story she tells. Built as the trawler Kos XVII, then pressed into service as a Norwegian minesweeper, she’s a small ship, only 36 metres long, but she’s full of character. You can still make out the bow mount and some of her structure, despite the years. She went down in 1943, and the cold, dark waters have preserved her surprisingly well. When the visibility is good, which we find is often the case outside of late summer, the sight of her masts reaching up from the seabed is quite something. We particularly love the wheelhouse area, where conger eels have found their permanent residence, and those big jewel anemones just add incredible splashes of colour. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, those comfortable with deeper profiles and managing their gas in low light. Expect proper UK diving – a bit of chill, a bit of current sometimes, but a genuinely rewarding wreck that feels like stepping back in time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.403534, -3.022367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 HARSTAD

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 HARSTAD

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 are the typical depths of the wreck dives around Harstad, Norway?
The provided data specifically details the HMS HARSTAD wreck located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not Harstad, Norway. For the HMS HARSTAD, the wreck lies at a depth of 51m. Information regarding typical depths for wreck dives around Harstad, Norway, is not available in the current context.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Harstad dive sites?
While information on marine life for Harstad, Norway, is not available, divers exploring the HMS HARSTAD wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, can expect to see the remains of a 36.6m x 7.3m factory ship vessel. Notable features include its triple expansion engines and a bow mount, reflecting its history as a Royal Norwegian Navy vessel and later a minesweeper. This non-dangerous wreck offers a glimpse into maritime history.
How challenging are the wreck dives in Harstad, and are they suitable for all certification levels?
For the HMS HARSTAD wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, the dive difficulty is classified as intermediate. Given its depth of 51m and intermediate rating, this particular wreck dive is not suitable for all certification levels, typically requiring advanced or deep diver certifications. Information on the general challenge of wreck dives in Harstad, Norway, is not provided.
What is the best time of year to dive the wrecks in Harstad for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data context does not include information regarding the best time of year for diving the wrecks in Harstad, Norway, nor does it specify optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for exploring the wreck sites near Harstad, especially for deeper or more complex dives?
For the HMS HARSTAD wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which is at a depth of 51m and rated as intermediate difficulty, certifications beyond basic open water are highly recommended. Divers should ideally hold advanced certifications such as Deep Diver or equivalent technical diving qualifications to safely explore this site. Information on specific certification requirements for wreck sites near Harstad, Norway, is not available.
What are the typical water conditions, including temperature, visibility, and currents, at the Harstad wreck dive sites?
The provided data context does not contain specific information regarding typical water conditions, including temperature, visibility, or currents, for the wreck dive sites in Harstad, Norway. Such details are crucial for dive planning and are often site-specific.