59m
    Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom
    The Manacles

    HMS LORD SNOWDEN

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    The Manacles

    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 LORD SNOWDEN offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded
    Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 59m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Typical HMS LORD SNOWDEN Dive Profile

    15m30m45m60mSafety Stop0m59m max~15 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Maximum depth 59m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

    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.

    Today06:3617:3911h 3m daylightGolden hour 16:55

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS LORD SNOWDEN

    HMS LORD SNOWDEN Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for HMS LORD SNOWDEN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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