LCT 381
Protected Area
East of Start Point
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LCT 381 offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical LCT 381 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 52m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to LCT 381
Dive shops near LCT 381
Edge Watersports
Teign Diving Centre
Dive Beyond Limited
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Reviews for LCT 381
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LCT 381
LCT 381 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LCT 381, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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