HMS HICKORY - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Hickory, off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you. Dropping down to 43 metres, the sheer scale of the 45-metre trawler starts to emerge from the gloom, its silhouette against the green light. She was built in 1940 and sunk by a mine that same year, taking 25 lives with her. We often spend our bottom time just taking in the sheer tragedy of it all; you can almost feel the history clinging to the hull. Despite the depth, the wreck is remarkably intact for a vessel of her age in these waters. The bow is particularly striking, often draped in a shimmering curtain of pollock and coalfish. We’ve found conger eels curled up in the deeper recesses, and the occasional inquisitive bib will follow you through the structure. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates, the sight of light filtering through the superstructure is genuinely atmospheric. We'd suggest diving this one on a slack tide to make the most of your time exploring; the currents out here can be fierce. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, no question, offering a profound sense of history and a challenging but rewarding exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.490685, -2.909877
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

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 HICKORY

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 HICKORY

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