HMS LANCER II
Protected Area
Beachy Head West
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS LANCER II offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMS Lancer II, a former trawler turned armed naval vessel, sits at a very friendly 20 metres off the coast of Cornwall. We’ve always found this wreck to be exceptionally diveable, a really good choice when the weather’s being a bit… Cornish. She went down in 1918 after a collision, so while she’s broken up, the layout still gives you a sense of her original form. What we love most about the Lancer II is the sheer density of life that has claimed her. Spider crabs are often everywhere, scuttling over plates of anemones that carpet the metalwork. Look closely into the nooks and crannies – conger eels are usually lurking, sometimes a surprisingly large one, tucked right into the hull. The visibility here can vary, but even on an average day, the sheer amount of invertebrate life makes it worthwhile. It’s a rewarding dive for those who enjoy taking their time to really peer into a wreck, rather than just swimming over it.
Typical HMS LANCER II Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS LANCER II
HMS LANCER II Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS LANCER II, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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