HMSM L24 - Cornwall & Devon

The HMSM L24 is a proper submarine wreck, sitting upright and mostly intact on the seabed at 51 metres. We’ve always found these old subs particularly compelling; there's something about the enclosed, purposeful design that just speaks to history. Dropping down onto her bow, you can still clearly make out the torpedo tubes, eerie and open. The sheer size of her is impressive, stretching 72 metres, and we love drifting along her length, imagining the tight quarters the crew endured. Over the decades, the L24 has become a significant artificial reef. The hull is coated in dense plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying in the gentle current, punctuated by bursts of vibrant orange and yellow from jewel anemones. Look for conger eels peering out from open hatches or gaps in the plating; they’re often quite bold here. We’ve seen dogfish tucked into the sand nearby too, sometimes even a startled anglerfish camouflaged against the seabed. This dive is definitely for experienced wreck divers comfortable at depth and with cold water, but for those who are, it’s a truly rewarding journey into a piece of naval history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.374700, -2.630917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 HMSM L24

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 HMSM L24

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