LCT 381 - Cornwall & Devon

LCT 381 is a proper deep dive, sitting at 52 metres, so it’s one for the experienced tech divers among us. This landing craft vessel was torpedoed in 1943 by German E-boats, a piece of wartime history resting upright on the seabed. We love the way the twin two-pounder pom-poms are still quite distinct, giving you a real sense of its former purpose. Descent can be dark, especially if you catch it on an overcast day, but once you hit the deck, the atmosphere shifts. The wreck is surprisingly intact for its age and depth. We’ve had some cracking dives here, navigating through the holds where you can still imagine vehicles being carried. Look out for conger eels tucked into every dark nook and cranny, and the occasional ling patrolling the deeper sections. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, revealing more detail the longer you spend with it. We’d suggest hitting it on a slack tide for the best conditions; visibility can be temperamental, but on a good day, it’s truly impressive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.390335, -3.023733
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

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 LCT 381

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 LCT 381

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