HMS LANCER II - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.736935, 0.018117
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 LANCER II

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 LANCER II

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