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HMS MEDEA

The HMS Medea, now residing off the coast of Cornwall, is a proper chunk of naval history, and we love a wreck with a story. Originally the Monitor M22, a WWI veteran, she finished her days as a minelaying tender before breaking tow and sinking in 1939. What’s left is a 51-metre-long hull, remarkably intact in places, lying in about 20-25 metres of water. We’d describe her as an absorbing dive, especially if you appreciate the engineering of these old ships. You can trace the deck lines, explore the remnants of her triple-expansion engines, and even poke around the stern where the minelaying gear once would have been. The structure itself is a haven for life – often you'll find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, dogfish resting on sandy patches nearby, and schools of bib darting through the interior spaces. Visibility can be a typical Cornish affair, anywhere from a murky five metres to a glorious 15, so pick your day carefully. We find the best conditions usually come with a slack tide around high water. It's a dive that suits those comfortable with deeper wrecks and who enjoy piecing together the past.