JEANNE MARIE - Cornwall & Devon

The Jeanne Marie, a French steamer sunk by a U-boat in 1918, lies deep at 53 metres. We think this depth makes her a truly rewarding dive for experienced technical divers, and she’s one of our favourite deep wrecks off the Cornish coast. You’re descending into proper historical theatre here, the ship’s large profile emerging from the gloom, often with visibility that feels like thick soup at the surface but can open up beautifully down below. The wreck itself is largely intact, with a huge triple-expansion engine standing proud amidships, a real magnet for light-seeking fish. We love exploring the bow, which is often riddled with conger eels – some of them absolute monsters, thick as a diver's thigh. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into crevices and the occasional solitary ling patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a dark dive, even on a sunny day, so good lighting is non-negotiable. Dive this one on slack water, and be ready for a longer decompression, but the silence and the sheer scale of the Jeanne Marie are utterly worth it.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.338184, -2.330700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 JEANNE MARIE

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 JEANNE MARIE

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 maximum depth divers can reach at the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) dive site?
The maximum depth divers can reach at the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) dive site is 53 meters. This deep wreck dive offers a unique exploration opportunity for experienced divers.
What marine life and historical features can be observed on the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck)?
The Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) is a fascinating historical feature, a steam ship vessel built in 1912 by Ateliers & Chantiers de France, Dunkirk, and sunk on March 14, 1918. Divers can explore its impressive dimensions of 95.1m x 14m, including its triple expansion engine and single shaft. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not provided in the current data.
How difficult is the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) dive, and is it suitable for advanced recreational divers?
The Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. While suitable for experienced recreational divers with appropriate training and experience in deep wreck diving, it presents challenges that require good buoyancy control and dive planning.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best months or seasons to dive the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) for optimal conditions is not available in the current data. Divers interested in planning their trip should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions and recommendations.
What specific diving certifications are recommended or required to explore the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck)?
Given the 53-meter depth and intermediate difficulty of the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck), certifications for deep diving and wreck diving specialties would be highly recommended. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience to safely explore such a challenging site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) dive site?
The typical current conditions and visibility at the Jeanne Marie (Copper Wreck) dive site are not specified in the provided data. It is always advisable to check with local dive centers or guides for real-time conditions before planning your dive.