KRASNAYA PRESNIA - Cornwall & Devon

The Krasnaya Presnia is a proper monster of a wreck, a Russian WWII-era landing craft that went down in 1994. At 112 metres long, she’s a huge chunk of metal resting upright in 52 metres of water. We love a deep wreck, and this one delivers that satisfying sense of discovery as you drop down. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss in these parts, but when it’s good, you can make out the sheer scale of the ship from above, a dark silhouette against the murk. The superstructure is largely intact, and our favourite part is always peering into the cavernous holds, imagining the tanks and troops she once carried. You’ll see plenty of dogfish lurking in the shadows, and conger eels are masters of camouflage amongst the twisted metal. We’d suggest keeping an eye on your bottom time here; it’s easy to get absorbed. This wreck is definitely for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and strong currents, which can pick up without much warning. It's a proper adventure, a real dive into a piece of post-war history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.063700, -0.762200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: Dolphin Head Highly Protected Marine Area

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 KRASNAYA PRESNIA

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 KRASNAYA PRESNIA

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 range at Krasnaya Presnya?
The Krasnaya Presnia dive site is a deep wreck dive. Divers can expect a typical diving depth of 52 meters. This depth makes it an exciting challenge for experienced divers looking to explore significant underwater structures.
What kind of underwater attractions or marine life can divers expect to see at Krasnaya Presnya?
The primary underwater attraction at Krasnaya Presnia is the impressive wreck of a Russian WW2-era landing craft vessel. This substantial wreck, measuring 112.8m x 15.2m, provides a fascinating structure to explore. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How would you rate the difficulty level for scuba diving at Krasnaya Presnya?
Diving at Krasnaya Presnia is rated as an intermediate difficulty level. This classification suggests that divers should have some experience beyond basic open water certification, particularly given the depth of 52 meters. It's a rewarding dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Krasnaya Presnya for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Krasnaya Presnia. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Krasnaya Presnya?
While specific certifications aren't explicitly listed, given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 52 meters, divers would typically require advanced or deep diving certifications. It's highly recommended to have appropriate training and experience for deep wreck dives like Krasnaya Presnia. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort zone.
What are the usual water currents and visibility conditions like at the Krasnaya Presnya dive site?
The provided data does not include information on the usual water currents or visibility conditions at the Krasnaya Presnia dive site. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather and tides, so it's always best to consult with local dive operators. They can provide the most up-to-date information for your planned dive.