HMS LORD HAILSHAM - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the HMS Lord Hailsham feels like a history lesson brought to life, especially when the visibility is playing ball. This anti-submarine trawler, torpedoed by an E-boat back in 1943, sits upright at 52 metres, a proper deep dive that’s well worth the effort for experienced wreck heads. We love how intact she remains, her bow section clearly showing the damage from that fateful night. Exploring the Hailsham, you can still trace the outline of her deck, the winches, and the superstructure. Our favourite part is nosing around the engine room area; it’s a dark, silty crawl, but the triple expansion engine is still there, impressive even in its silence. Conger eels have made themselves very much at home here, peering out from every nook, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large lobsters tucked into the plating. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the somber beauty of a wartime wreck, where the structure itself tells the story more than flashy corals ever could. Give it a try on a slack tide for the best chance to really soak it all in.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.387400, -3.047067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 LORD HAILSHAM

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 LORD HAILSHAM

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 Lord Hailsham wreck and what is the depth to the top of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the HMS Lord Hailsham wreck is 52 meters. Information regarding the depth to the top of the wreck is not available in the provided data.
What kind of historical artifacts and features can divers expect to see on the HMS Lord Hailsham wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Lord Hailsham, a 47.5m x 7.9m trawler vessel, can expect to encounter its historical machinery. Key features include one boiler, a triple expansion engine of 99 NHP, and a single shaft, all remnants from its construction in 1934.
What diving certifications are required to dive the HMS Lord Hailsham, and what is its difficulty level?
The HMS Lord Hailsham is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, divers should possess training appropriate for intermediate wreck diving, which often includes advanced open water or wreck specialty certifications.
What are the best times or tidal conditions to dive the HMS Lord Hailsham for optimal experience?
Information regarding the best times or specific tidal conditions for diving the HMS Lord Hailsham for an optimal experience is not available in the provided context. For general guidance on planning dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the HMS Lord Hailsham dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the HMS Lord Hailsham dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date site conditions.
What makes the HMS Lord Hailsham a unique or historically significant dive site?
The HMS Lord Hailsham holds historical significance as a former anti-submarine trawler, built in 1934 and purchased for naval service in 1939. Its unique story includes being torpedoed right forward by an E-BOA and sinking on February 27, 1943, offering a tangible link to World War II maritime history in United Kingdom waters.