IONIAN - Cornwall & Devon

The Ionian, near St. Govans Head, is a proper chunk of history, even if she’s quite broken up now. This isn't a wreck you penetrate; it's a spread, scattered by the torpedo that sank her in 1917 and then further by hitting the cliffs. We love poking around the debris field, trying to piece together the layout of this huge steamship. You'll find twisted metal plates, sections of hull, and machinery parts, all encrusted with colourful jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s a site for divers who enjoy exploring and imagining the past. Look for the engine components, often the most identifiable parts, where shoals of pollock often hang out, darting between the girders. On a day with good visibility, the way the light filters through the broken structure, illuminating the vibrant growth, is really something. We’d suggest going at slack tide, as currents can be a nuisance here, making the exploration much more relaxed and enjoyable. It's a sombre place, seven lives were lost, and you feel that sense of history as you fin over the remains.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.602386, -4.957755
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Castlemartin Coast

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 IONIAN

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 IONIAN

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