HMS JAMES FENNEL - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS James Fennel wreck, sitting at 22 metres, is a cracking dive for anyone looking for a piece of Cornish history. She’s a former trawler, built in 1918, and what we love most is how much of her remains intact, considering she ran aground back in 1920. You can still make out the distinct lines of the hull, and the triple-expansion engine and single boiler are particularly striking, almost eerie in their preservation. What you'll find here is a genuine exploration. Spend time poking around the engine room, or follow the bow, which is often swarming with schools of pollack. We’ve seen conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, and the resident crabs are always a good laugh to watch scuttling across the deck. For divers who appreciate history and a good rummage, this wreck is our pick for a satisfying afternoon. Just be mindful of the currents, they can pick up quickly here, so planning your dive around slack water is always a smart move.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.546270, -2.458185
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 JAMES FENNEL

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 JAMES FENNEL

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