wreck

Log This Dive

HMS Vindictive

The HMS Vindictive, sitting off the Cornish coast, is one of those wrecks that just grabs you. We love her because she’s not just a pile of metal, but a proper, explorable vessel with a story etched into every rivet. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often surrounded by a swirling cloud of bib and juvenile pollock. The superstructure is collapsed in places, but you can still make out gun emplacements, and penetration into some of the larger holds is possible for those with the right training and gear – we always recommend a good guide here. What we really enjoy is seeing the way the wreck has become an artificial reef, with plumose anemones blooming across the darker sections and crabs scuttling amongst the plates. The visibility can be variable, as is typical for the UK, but on a good day, the atmosphere is incredible, a real testament to its history and the ocean's reclaiming power. She suits divers who appreciate historical context and enjoy a bit of wreck penetration.