James Egan Layne Wreck - Cornwall & Devon

We’ve spent a lot of time poking around the wrecks of the English Channel, and the James Egan Layne always pulls us back. This isn’t a pristine, intact ship, but a proper, broken-up cargo vessel scattered across the seabed – and that’s precisely why we love it. You’ll drop down onto the main bulk of the stern, often met by a school of pollock swirling around the remaining structure. The holds are open, inviting exploration, and we’d suggest taking your time to peer into every shadowy corner. The real beauty here is how the wreck has become part of the reef. Conger eels are a common sight, tucked into crevices, their heads poking out with that characteristic grumpy look. We’ve seen huge spider crabs clambering over the corroded metal, and the skeletal remains of the bow are usually draped in dead man's fingers, swaying gently in the surge. It’s a dive that rewards slow, meticulous searching, suited to divers who enjoy the history and the quiet drama of life reclaiming a sunken ship. Just be mindful of the currents; they can pick up, so check the local tide tables before you commit.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.325000, -4.245000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Rame Head & Whitsand Bay

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 James Egan Layne Wreck

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 James Egan Layne Wreck

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