HOLME FORCE (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Holme Force is a proper dive, a deep one, and we wouldn’t recommend it for anyone without solid wreck experience and the right gas. Dropping onto her at 53 metres, you’re hitting the seabed, so bottom time management is crucial. She’s a steamship, torpedoed in 1940 by a German E-boat, and lies broken but still recognisable. Our favourite part has to be the stern, often upright, where you can still imagine the torpedo striking. The bow is usually more collapsed, but the hold sections are worth a peek for the congereels and spider crabs. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes five, but even in murkier conditions, the sheer scale of the wreck is impressive. We usually see schools of pollack circling the superstructure, and the encrusting life, particularly dead man’s fingers coral, adds colour to the dark steel. It’s a site for serious divers who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a challenge.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.597668, 0.008033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: Beachy Head West

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 HOLME FORCE (POSSIBLY)

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 HOLME FORCE (POSSIBLY)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Holme Force?
The Holme Force wreck is typically found at a depth of 53 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience in such environments.
What kind of underwater topography and marine life can divers expect to encounter at Holme Force?
Divers exploring Holme Force will encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 65.8m x 10.4m. As a wreck site, it provides unique underwater topography, often serving as an artificial reef. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks commonly host diverse ecosystems.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Holme Force, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
Diving at Holme Force is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 53 meters, this site is not suitable for all certification levels and is best undertaken by divers with advanced training and experience in deeper wreck diving.
What are the best times of year or specific conditions for diving at Holme Force?
Information regarding the best times of year or specific conditions for diving at Holme Force is not available in the current data. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their trip. For general guidance on dive planning, you might visit When to Dive.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive at Holme Force?
Due to its intermediate difficulty and depth of 53 meters, diving at Holme Force typically requires advanced certifications such as Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialties. Divers should possess significant experience with deep diving environments and wreck exploration to safely enjoy this site.
What are the prevailing currents and water visibility like at the Holme Force dive site?
Details regarding the prevailing currents and typical water visibility at the Holme Force dive site are not specified in the provided data. It is always recommended to check with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for current conditions before planning your dive.