HMS WARRIOR II - Cornwall & Devon

If you ask us, a proper wreck dive needs a story, and the HMS Warrior II has a cracking one. Lying at 51 metres, this isn't a beginner's site, but for experienced tech divers, it’s a brilliant piece of history off the Cornish coast. She went down in 1940, bombed while escorting a submarine, and the wreck truly shows her age. The visibility here can be hit or miss, but when it's good, you can make out the scale of her 86-metre length stretched across the seabed. We love dropping down onto the bow, often blanketed in dead men's fingers, feeling the slight pull of the current as you descend into the gloom. Inside, the holds are open, revealing collapsed deck plating and the skeletal remains of her internal structure. Look closely, and you'll spot resident conger eels peeking from every dark crevice, along with the occasional anglerfish tucked into the sand nearby. Our favourite moment is exploring the stern section; the damage from the bombing is clear, a dramatic testament to her final moments. This is a dive for those who appreciate the quiet solemnity of a war grave and the challenge of a deep, historical wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.359950, -2.205167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 WARRIOR II

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 WARRIOR II

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