LASS O'DOUNE (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

We love a good mystery, and the Lass O'Doune (probably) delivers. Dropping onto her at 16m, you’re immediately struck by the sheer presence of this old trawler. Built in 1910, she’s been down since 1946, and the years have draped her in a thick, green-brown coat of life. We often find conger eels peering from dark recesses, their thick bodies camouflaged against the rust. The wreck itself, while small at 26.2m, is surprisingly intact and offers some fantastic swim-throughs if you're comfortable with overhead environments and have good buoyancy. Her single boiler is still prominent, a massive cylinder encrusted with jewel anemones, shimmering orange and pink in your torch beam. This isn't a site for spotting megafauna, but if you enjoy history, close-up invertebrate life, and the quiet satisfaction of exploring a well-aged wreck, it’s a cracker. Visibility can vary wildly here, so pick a calm day with a neap tide for the best experience. The atmosphere is undeniably moody, a real sense of history under the waves.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.746500, -0.189300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Shoreham Beach

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 LASS O'DOUNE (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 LASS O'DOUNE (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 maximum depth of the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) dive site?
The Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) dive site has a maximum depth of 16 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler)?
Divers exploring the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) can expect to encounter the remains of a 26.2m x 5.6m trawler vessel, built in 1910 and sunk in 1946. Notable wreck features include its single boiler, compound expansion engine, and a single shaft, along with the possibility of finding three spare propellers that were on deck at the time of its loss. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How challenging is the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) wreck dive, especially regarding currents?
The Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While specific current conditions are not detailed in the provided data, divers should always be prepared for potential currents when diving wrecks in coastal areas like Cornwall & Devon. It's advisable to consult local dive operators for real-time conditions.
What is the best time of year and tidal condition to dive the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) for optimal visibility and safety?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler). For optimal visibility and safety, it is always recommended to check local weather and tidal charts, and consult with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive. You can also find general information on when to dive on DivePlnr.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler)?
Given that the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended to safely explore the site, especially since it's classified as a "Dangerous wreck." Always ensure your training matches the dive's demands.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical current conditions or visibility at the Lass O'Doune (Steam Trawler) dive site. As with any wreck dive in the United Kingdom, conditions can vary significantly. It is always best to check with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for the most up-to-date information on currents and visibility before your dive.