HMS P12 (STERN SECTION). - Cornwall & Devon

The stern section of HMS P12, a patrol boat lost in a collision just days before the end of WWI, sits upright at 15 metres. We love it because it’s surprisingly intact for a wreck of its age, a real anchor point in the seabed for all sorts of life. You’ll find the props still in place and the rudder blade clear, giving a real sense of its operational past. This isn’t a grand, sprawling wreck, but it’s packed with character. Look for the conger eels that have made their home amongst the twisted metalwork, and the often-dense schools of bib and pollack that swirl around the structure. Our favourite dive here is when the light is just right, filtering through the water and illuminating the stern, highlighting the copper hues of the propellors. It’s a superb spot for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a slightly chillier dive, with plenty to photograph and explore in a compact area.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.657760, -1.085077
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Bembridge Down

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 P12 (STERN SECTION).

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 P12 (STERN SECTION).

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