HMS VERNON II (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Vernon II, or what we strongly suspect is her, offers a deep dive with a real sense of history. Dropping down to 47 metres, you’re looking at a substantial wooden wreck, originally a sailing first-rate built in 1855, later converted to a steamship. It's a proper expedition, demanding good planning and a calm day, but the payoff is immense. What we love about this site is the sheer scale and the way the sea has reclaimed it. Visibility, when it's good, lets you appreciate the ship’s length, 74.7 metres, sprawling across the seabed. You'll see massive timbers, dark and waterlogged, still holding their form, often draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Our favourite part is peeking into the darker recesses, imagining the life she once held. The engine room area is particularly intriguing, though much of the machinery is long gone. Keep an eye out for conger eels nestled amongst the beams; they're almost always present. This isn't a dive for beginners, but for experienced wreck enthusiasts looking for a challenging, rewarding exploration, it’s a standout.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.567867, -0.631167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 VERNON II (POSSIBLY)

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 VERNON II (POSSIBLY)

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