HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS *Listrac* (probably) is one of those Cornwall dives that just hits right. At 35m, it’s a proper expedition, but the rewards are there. We love the way she sits upright, almost proud, on the seabed, her bow pointing east as if still on a final voyage. Descending, you start to pick out the details of her 59-meter length – a sturdy steamship, requisitioned and ultimately sunk in 1940. The visibility here can be decent, especially on a settled day, allowing the wreck to emerge slowly from the green. You can poke around the hold, still open in places, a dark maw where conger eels often lurk, their heads peeking from shadowy corners. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft leads away, the metalwork now a home for anemones and soft corals, their colours muted but still present in the ambient light. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history, a bit of depth, and the quiet contemplation of a ship reclaimed by the sea. Just keep an eye on the tide, as currents can pick up.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.431496, -1.328647
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Wight-Barfleur Reef

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 LISTRAC (PROBABLY)

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 LISTRAC (PROBABLY)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) wreck, and what are the shallower parts accessible to divers?
The maximum depth of the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) wreck is 35m. Information regarding specific shallower parts accessible to divers is not detailed in the available data. Divers should plan their dive accordingly for this depth.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see when exploring the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) dive site?
When exploring the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY), divers can expect to encounter historical artifacts from this steam ship vessel, which was built in 1907 and sunk in 1940. Notable features include its single boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, remnants of its past as a French auxiliary patrol vessel seized by the Royal Navy. Specific details on marine life are not provided in the current data, but wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems; you can learn more about common species at our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY), and is it considered suitable for recreational divers or only technical divers?
Diving the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, reaching a maximum depth of 35m. It is also classified as a Dangerous wreck, indicating potential hazards that require careful planning and appropriate training. While suitable for experienced recreational divers with advanced certifications for deep and wreck diving, its depth and classification mean it's not for beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) for optimal visibility and weather conditions?
The provided data for the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and weather conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for seasonal insights. Always check local weather and sea conditions before planning your dive.
What diving certifications are typically required or recommended to safely dive the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) wreck?
To safely dive the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) wreck, which is an intermediate difficulty dive reaching 35m, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Wreck Diver are typically required or highly recommended. Given its classification as a Dangerous wreck, divers should possess solid experience and potentially specialized training for navigating such environments. Always ensure your certification level matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical current strengths and visibility conditions encountered at the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) dive site?
The available data for the HMS LISTRAC (PROBABLY) dive site does not include specific details on typical current strengths or visibility conditions. Divers planning to explore this wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors. Always prioritize safety and be prepared for varying conditions.