LAPWING (POSSIBLY) OR SOUTH WESTERN - Cornwall & Devon

Now, if you like a proper bit of history with your dive, the Lapwing is for you. We’ve done this one a few times, and it always delivers that classic wreck dive feel. Dropping down to 35 metres, you hit the bow first, and the iron plates just loom out of the gloom. It’s a good size wreck, 64 metres long, so there’s plenty to explore. We love nosing around the engine room, where the single boiler is still pretty intact. You can picture the steam rising, the old compound expansion engine chugging away back in 1872. Everywhere you look, the ironwork is encrusted with dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones, creating these unexpected splashes of orange and pink. Look closely, and you’ll spot conger eels in the darker recesses and pollack darting through the superstructure. Visibility can be a bit variable, mind, but when it’s good, the sheer scale of the wreck really hits you. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye for both history and the marine life that now calls this old steamer home.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.522050, -1.534480
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 LAPWING (POSSIBLY) OR SOUTH WESTERN

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 LAPWING (POSSIBLY) OR SOUTH WESTERN

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 depth range for diving at the 'South Western' dive site, and are there any particularly deep or shallow areas to be aware of?
The 'South Western' dive site, also known as the Lapwing (Possibly), has a typical depth of 35 meters. As it is a wreck dive, this depth refers to the main structure of the vessel. Divers should be prepared for this depth when planning their dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at the 'South Western' dive site, including any unique species or notable wrecks/reefs?
The primary underwater feature at the 'South Western' dive site is the wreck of a steam ship vessel, the Lapwing (Possibly), which sank on July 1, 1872. This iron-built vessel, measuring 64.6m x 8.5m, features one boiler, one donkey, and a compound expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often attract a variety of local species, which divers can explore.
How challenging is diving at the 'South Western' dive site, considering factors like currents, visibility, and overall conditions?
Diving at the 'South Western' dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This is partly due to its nature as a dangerous wreck, requiring divers to be experienced and cautious. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience for such conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the 'South Western' dive site for optimal visibility and calm conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and calm conditions at the 'South Western' dive site is not available in our current data. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at the 'South Western' dive site?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 35 meters at the 'South Western' dive site, advanced certifications such as an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent are highly recommended. Divers should also have experience with wreck diving and deep diving procedures.
What are the typical current patterns and water conditions (e.g., temperature, visibility) experienced at the 'South Western' dive site?
Our current data for the 'South Western' dive site does not specify typical current patterns, water temperature, or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this wreck site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.