HMS LORD SNOWDEN - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Lord Snowden isn't for the faint of heart, or for those new to deep wreck diving, but for experienced technical divers, this is a belter of a site. At 59 metres, the former anti-submarine trawler sits upright on the seabed, remarkably intact despite her collision sinking in 1942. We love that you can still make out the outline of her bridge structure and the stern section, which often features a resident conger eel or two peeking from plates. Dropping down, the visibility in this part of the Channel can be surprisingly good on a slack tide, sometimes pushing 15 metres, which really lets you appreciate the sheer scale of the Snowden. The bow, in particular, is a dramatic sight, often shrouded in schooling bib and pollack, flashing silver as your lights hit them. We'd suggest focusing on the midships and stern; the internal spaces are tight but rewarding for careful exploration. Just remember, this is a "dangerous wreck" for a reason – respect the depth and plan your deco well. It’s a deep, challenging dive, but the sense of history and the sheer presence of the wreck make it an incredible experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.083927, -4.963550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
59m

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 SNOWDEN

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 SNOWDEN

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