HMS NORTHCOATES - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Northcoates, a former trawler, lies at 26 metres, an accessible depth for many divers and a firm favourite for us when we’re in Cornwall. This isn't one of those wrecks where you’re just looking at a pile of scrap metal. She’s surprisingly intact, with a character all her own. You can still make out the superstructure, the bow pointing into the current, and sections of the deck, giving you a real sense of her former life as a minesweeper. We love finning along her length, imagining the cold December night she went down in 1944. There's a certain stillness here, a quiet power. What really makes her special, though, is how marine life has embraced her. Lobsters peer out from cracks in the metal, their antennae waving. We often spot conger eels in the deeper sections, thick as your arm, and the entire wreck is carpeted in jewel anemones, creating these incredible bursts of orange, pink, and purple against the dark steel. It’s a great dive for experienced wreck divers looking for a slice of history and some vibrant temperate water marine life. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it’s good, the Northcoates truly shines.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.661865, -0.590050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Marine Protected Area: Kingmere

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 NORTHCOATES

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 NORTHCOATES

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 maximum depth of the HMS NORTHCOATES dive site?
The maximum depth of the HMS NORTHCOATES dive site is 26 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see on the HMS NORTHCOATES wreck?
The provided data for the HMS NORTHCOATES wreck does not specify particular marine life or historical artifacts beyond its identity as a sunken trawler vessel. However, divers can generally expect to explore the structure of a 38m x 7.6m wreck that was originally built in 1918 and sunk in 1944. For more about general marine life in the region, you might explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the HMS NORTHCOATES wreck, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving the HMS NORTHCOATES wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it is not suitable for all experience levels and requires divers to have adequate training and experience for such conditions.
When is the best time of year or day to dive the HMS NORTHCOATES for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the HMS NORTHCOATES dive site does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on planning your dives in the Cornwall & Devon area, please consult our when to dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the HMS NORTHCOATES wreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed in the data for the HMS NORTHCOATES, its classification as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck" suggests that advanced certifications, particularly those related to wreck diving and deeper depths, would be highly recommended or required. Divers should ensure they have the necessary training and experience for such challenging conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the HMS NORTHCOATES dive site?
The provided data for the HMS NORTHCOATES dive site does not include information on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip to this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before diving.