LCVP 120 - Cornwall & Devon

Sometimes, the best dive sites are the accidental ones. The LCVP 120, a landing craft that went down in 1984 when its ramp gave way, is one of our favourite Cornwall wrecks for exactly that reason. Sitting at a modest 18 metres, it’s a brilliant, easy dive, usually with a gentle drift. We love how the ramp, the very thing that caused its demise, now lies open, giving you a clear shot into the well deck. You can poke around inside, imagining the frantic last moments before it took on water. Out on the deck, the metalwork is draped in sea anemones, their tentacles waving in the mild current, and the hull has become a flat for spider crabs. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the corners, too. This isn't a huge wreck, but its accessible depth and open structure make it a fantastic introduction to wreck diving in the UK, especially for those who want to practice penetration without anything too daunting. The history is simple, the diving simpler, and the marine life always puts on a good show. Dive this one on a calm day; the visibility can be surprisingly good.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.659916, -1.850473
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Marine Protected Area: Poole Rocks

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 LCVP 120

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 LCVP 120

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