HMS OCEAN SUNLIGHT - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Ocean Sunlight, a drifter sunk by a mine in 1940, sits in a shallow 9m. It’s a site we always come back to when we’re in the area, often as a second dive after something deeper. Because it’s so shallow, you get incredible bottom time, which is perfect for really getting to know the wreck. We love how the sunlight filters through the water here, illuminating the twisted metal and making the colours pop, even on an overcast day. You’ll find plenty of resident ballan wrasse darting in and out of the structure, and conger eels are often tucked into the larger sections, peeking out with their heads. Our favourite part is exploring the intact bow section, imagining the vessel in its operational days. It’s a great site for newer wreck divers looking to get comfortable with penetration, or for photographers wanting to play with ambient light and wide-angle shots. The Ocean Sunlight offers a peaceful, reflective dive, a real window into a moment in wartime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.770084, 0.067133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 OCEAN SUNLIGHT

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 OCEAN SUNLIGHT

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