HMS NEW DAWN - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS New Dawn, a drifter sunk in 1918, lies quietly at 32 metres, just off the Cornish coast. We love this wreck because it’s a proper piece of history, not just a pile of metal. You can still make out her lines, the bow pointing into the current, and that single boiler is a real focal point, now heavily encrusted with dead man's fingers and anemones. Dropping down, the visibility here can be a bit of a lottery – sometimes 10 metres, sometimes less – but that just adds to the atmospheric dive. Our favourite part is nosing around the stern, where you often find conger eels tucked into the deeper recesses, their heads poking out like grumpy old men. Look closely among the wreckage and you’ll spot nudibranchs, particularly lemon slugs, making their slow way across the rusting plates. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-preserved wreck and don't mind a bit of a rummage. Best tackled on a slack tide, otherwise, you're just flying past her.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.609010, -1.605907
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

Marine Protected Area: The Needles

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 NEW DAWN

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 NEW DAWN

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 NEW DAWN wreck?
The HMS NEW DAWN wreck is typically found at a depth of 32 meters. Divers exploring this historic site should be prepared for a dive to this depth, which is characteristic of many deep wreck explorations.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the HMS NEW DAWN dive site?
Divers exploring the HMS NEW DAWN wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a drifter vessel, built in 1908 and sunk in 1918. Key historical artifacts include its structure, measuring 26.3m x 5.6m, and its single boiler. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the HMS NEW DAWN dive site, and is it suitable for advanced open water divers?
The HMS NEW DAWN dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, with a maximum depth of 32 meters. This depth makes it suitable for advanced open water divers or those with equivalent certification and experience. It is also classified as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require careful planning and appropriate training.
What is the best season or time of year to dive HMS NEW DAWN for optimal visibility and conditions?
Our current data for the HMS NEW DAWN dive site does not specify the best season or time of year for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, you may consult our When to Dive section for broader regional insights.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or experience levels required to dive HMS NEW DAWN?
To dive the HMS NEW DAWN, which is an intermediate difficulty dive with a depth of 32 meters, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives and to safely navigate the site.
What are the usual current and water conditions, including visibility, at the HMS NEW DAWN dive site?
Specific details regarding the usual current, water conditions, and visibility at the HMS NEW DAWN dive site are not provided in our current data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on prevailing conditions before their dive.