HMS HAZARDOUS - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Hazardous is a proper piece of history, just poking out of the water at Bracklesham Bay. She’s shallow, obviously, with a maximum depth of 3m, so we’re talking snorkel or very easy dive territory here, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's boring. This isn't about huge pelagics or dramatic drop-offs; it’s about touching a fragment of the past. We love seeing the timbers still holding their own after all these centuries. You can make out the ribs of the hull, encrusted with barnacles and seaweeds that wave gently with the tide. It feels less like a wreck and more like an archaeological dig, exposed by the sea. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day, when the light penetrates right down, illuminating the rusty anchor chains and what we think might be some old cannonballs. It’s perfect for those days when you want a relaxed dip, maybe with the kids, or if you're just keen to see something genuinely old and a little bit haunting without needing to gear up for a technical dive. You'll find blennies darting between the timbers and tiny crabs scuttling over the wood, a little ecosystem thriving on a 300-year-old warship.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.752230, -0.859317
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Bracklesham Bay

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 HAZARDOUS

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 HAZARDOUS

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 typical depth of the HMS HAZARDOUS dive site?
The HMS HAZARDOUS dive site has a typical depth of 3 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers exploring the wreck of this historic sailing vessel in Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS HAZARDOUS wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS HAZARDOUS wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a historic sailing vessel, originally French, which sank in 1706. While specific marine life isn't detailed, the wreck itself, measuring 41.8m x 11.6m, serves as a significant historical artifact. It offers a unique glimpse into maritime history, being a captured French ship that was wrecked near Selsey Bill.
How challenging is diving the HMS HAZARDOUS wreck, considering currents and visibility?
Diving the HMS HAZARDOUS wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While specific details on currents and visibility are not provided in the data, divers should be prepared for conditions typical of an intermediate wreck dive in the Cornwall & Devon region.
When is the best time of year or day to dive the HMS HAZARDOUS for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive the HMS HAZARDOUS wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the HMS HAZARDOUS?
Given that the HMS HAZARDOUS wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should possess a certification level appropriate for such conditions. Typically, this would mean an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck diving equipment and experience.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like at the HMS HAZARDOUS dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical underwater currents or visibility conditions at the HMS HAZARDOUS dive site. Divers planning to explore this historic wreck in Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.