HMS MOLDAVIA - Cornwall & Devon

The Moldavia. Now there’s a proper wreck dive, right on the edge of technical territory at 47m. She’s huge, 158 metres of twisted steel. You descend into the gloom, often with a decent current, and the sheer scale starts to reveal itself. We always recommend a decent torch here, not just for penetration, but to really pick out the details on the deck. Our favourite spot is the stern, where the fantail gun still sits, usually draped in fishing net and patrolled by conger eels. Visibility can be a gamble; some days it’s 20 metres, other days you’re doing a very tight tour. But when it’s good, the structure itself is just incredible. She went down in 1918, a U-boat victim, and the bow section shows the damage clearly. We’ve found crockery in the debris field, and the boilers are still very much present, towering over you. This isn't a beginner’s site. You need good buoyancy, a solid dive plan, and ideally a few deep dives under your belt to really appreciate the Moldavia. It’s a true expedition.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.386284, -0.480317
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Brighton

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 MOLDAVIA

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 MOLDAVIA

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 typical depth range for diving the HMS Moldavia wreck?
The HMS Moldavia wreck is typically found at a depth of 47 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS Moldavia?
The HMS Moldavia, a liner vessel sunk in 1918, offers a fascinating look into maritime history. Divers can expect to explore the remains of this armed merchant cruiser, including its seven boilers and twin triple expansion engines. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the HMS Moldavia as a dive site, and what is its difficulty rating?
The HMS Moldavia is classified as a dangerous wreck with an intermediate difficulty rating. Divers should be prepared for the challenges associated with a deeper wreck dive and its classification. Proper training and experience are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the best tidal conditions and time of year to dive the HMS Moldavia for optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify the best tidal conditions or time of year to dive the HMS Moldavia for optimal experience. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications or experience levels are recommended for diving the HMS Moldavia?
Given the HMS Moldavia's depth of 47 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating as a dangerous wreck, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess experience with deep diving and wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions like at the HMS Moldavia dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details regarding the typical visibility or current conditions at the HMS Moldavia dive site. It's always advisable to check local dive reports and conditions closer to your planned dive date.