HMS MEDEA - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.564990, -4.931066
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Trebetherick 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 MEDEA

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 MEDEA

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