wreck

Log This Dive

HMS RECOIL (BOW SECTION)(PROBABLY)

The HMS Recoil, or at least what we strongly suspect is her bow section, is a proper deep dive for those who appreciate history and a bit of mystery. Dropping down to 48 metres off the Cornish coast, you’re looking at a serious commitment here, so save it for a calm day with good visibility. This isn’t a colourful reef; it’s a sombre, steel structure, but the character is immense. We love descending into the gloom, watching the bow materialise from the murk. It's surprisingly intact for a vessel that hit a mine in 1940. You can clearly make out the strong lines of an anti-submarine trawler, the deck plates still holding their form. Look for the anchor chain running out, a ghostly reminder of her working life. Over the years, the wreck has become a sanctuary. Ling often lurk in the deeper sections, their long bodies draped over beams, and big conger eels have claimed the crevices as their own. The sheer volume of plumose anemones coating the structure is impressive; they filter feed in the current, creating a soft, feathery blanket over the harsh metal. This is one for experienced wreck divers who enjoy a challenging descent and the quiet thrill of touching history.