HMT COMET - Cornwall & Devon

The HMT Comet, a trawler sunk by a mine in 1940, isn't for the faint of heart. Sitting at a chilly 59 metres off Falmouth, it's a serious technical dive, demanding respect and proper planning. We love its intact nature, a stark contrast to some of the more broken-up wrecks in the Channel. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing to loom into view, typically shrouded in the green gloom that’s so characteristic of British waters, even on a clear day. Visibility here can be a lottery, but when it’s good, you can appreciate the scale of this old girl. Her large trawl winches are still discernible, encrusted with a thick layer of plumose anemones that sway gently in the slight current. We’ve spotted conger eels the size of small tree trunks peering out from beneath collapsed plating. Our favourite part is probably the stern, where the prop is often still visible, surrounded by schooling bib and pollack that shimmer under torchlight. It’s a somber, silent place, a real journey back in time, and an absolute privilege for experienced wreck divers. Just remember your drysuit and plenty of gas; it’s a long way home.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.099762, -4.951051
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
59m

Marine Protected Area: Carricknath Point to Porthbean Beach

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 HMT COMET

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 HMT COMET

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