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HMS JOHN MITCHELL

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.