HMSM SIDON - Cornwall & Devon

The HMSM SIDON is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you, a submarine with a bit of a tragic story. She went down after an accidental torpedo explosion, then was raised, only to be scuttled later as an anti-submarine target. Resting upright at 33 metres, she’s largely intact, which means plenty of scope for exploration. We love the way she sits on the seabed, her conning tower still defiant. As you descend, the dark shape slowly resolves itself, and you can make out the torpedo tubes and even the propeller. The interior is generally safe to penetrate for experienced wreck divers, offering a glimpse into her operational spaces. We’ve seen conger eels coiled up in the nooks and crannies, and huge spider crabs scuttling across the deck plates. Visibility can be a challenge here, often dipping, so a good torch is essential, and we'd always recommend timing your dive for slack water to avoid strong currents. It's a deep dive, and the conditions demand respect, but for those who love their history and a proper wreck, the SIDON is a rewarding experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.549550, -2.641183
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 SIDON

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 SIDON

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