KONGSHAUG (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Kongshaug, or what we believe to be the Kongshaug, is a properly deep dive off the Cornish coast. Dropping to 54 metres, this is one for the tech crowd, not your average recreational jaunt. We love the history here; she was an ex-Scillia, built way back in 1898, sunk by E-boats in 1942. When you descend, the visibility can be tricky, but on a good day, the wreck emerges from the green gloom, upright and surprisingly intact for a vessel torpedoed during wartime. We've spent hours exploring her. The triple-expansion engine is a real highlight, a huge, silent testament to early 20th-century engineering, now draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. You'll often find conger eels peering from every dark recess, their thick bodies disappearing deeper into the twisted metal. Schools of pouting and bib swarm around the superstructure, a silver cloud against the dark steel. It's a proper adventure down there, a tangible link to a dramatic past, but be prepared for the cold and the depth. This isn't a casual dip; it demands respect and careful planning.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.323400, -3.001750
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 KONGSHAUG (PROBABLY)

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 KONGSHAUG (PROBABLY)

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 diving depth at Kongshaug?
The typical diving depth at the Kongshaug dive site is 54 meters. This makes it a deep wreck dive, suitable for experienced divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Kongshaug?
Divers at Kongshaug can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, the EX-SCILLIA, which was sunk in 1942. This non-dangerous wreck measures 66.3m x 9.7m and provides a fascinating underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks commonly become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about common species in the region via our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Kongshaug, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Kongshaug is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a typical depth of 54 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Kongshaug for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at Kongshaug is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on planning your dives in the region, please consult our When to Dive resource.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Kongshaug?
Given the intermediate difficulty and the typical depth of 54 meters for this wreck dive at Kongshaug, divers would typically require advanced or deep diver certifications. It is always recommended to have training specific to deep and wreck diving to ensure safety and proper equipment use.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Kongshaug dive site?
The provided data for the Kongshaug dive site does not include specific details on typical currents or water conditions. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.