HMS JOHN MITCHELL - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS John Mitchell, a wooden steam drifter sunk by a German U-boat in 1917, is a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of the ocean. At 40 meters, this site is strictly for experienced divers. We love the way the wooden hull has collapsed over time, creating a jumble of timbers that now house conger eels and squat lobsters. Our favourite part is exploring the triple-expansion engine, surprisingly intact, with its brass fittings still visible if you’ve got a good torch and a keen eye. Visibility here can be a bit hit or miss, so we’d suggest aiming for slack water on a neap tide for the best chance of a clear view. When it’s good, the natural light filtering through the kelp, with shoals of bib darting around the wreck, is quite atmospheric. Look closely for nudibranchs on the upright sections of the hull. This isn't a wreck for penetration, but rather a chance to observe how a working vessel has become an artificial reef, providing shelter for all sorts of Cornish critters.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.499893, -1.765878
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 JOHN MITCHELL

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 JOHN MITCHELL

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