LIGHTFOOT (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Lightfoot, or what we believe is the Lightfoot, offers some proper historical diving. It’s a steamship, sunk in 1918, and lies in a respectable 25 metres. We love dropping onto her in that quiet period when the tide just starts to turn, before the current really picks up. You can spend a good chunk of time exploring her two large boilers, they stand proud from the seabed, and the triple expansion engine. It’s a sturdy wreck, built in Sunderland, and you get that sense of industrial strength even now. There’s a real sense of history here, imagining the London-bound journey that ended off the Cornish coast. We often find plenty of dogfish tucked away in the shadows and lobsters peeking out from under plates of twisted metal. For divers who appreciate a substantial wreck and are comfortable with potentially strong currents, this is a belter. Just make sure your dive brief covers the local tidal movements, because she can be a lively one.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.586300, -0.648717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Overfalls

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 LIGHTFOOT (POSSIBLY)

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 LIGHTFOOT (POSSIBLY)

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

How deep is the LIGHTFOOT dive site?
The LIGHTFOOT dive site, a fascinating steam ship wreck, has a maximum depth of 25 meters. This makes it an accessible yet rewarding dive for those exploring the waters of Cornwall & Devon.
What marine life and wreck features can be found at the LIGHTFOOT dive site?
The LIGHTFOOT is a steam ship vessel, built in 1916 and sunk on March 16, 1918. Divers can explore its impressive dimensions of 81.7m x 20m, along with features like its two boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data for this site, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting diverse aquatic species.
Is the LIGHTFOOT wreck a difficult dive, and what skill level is recommended?
The LIGHTFOOT wreck is classified as a dangerous wreck and is rated with an intermediate difficulty level. Divers should possess the necessary experience and training for wreck diving to safely explore this site. It is recommended for divers with an intermediate skill level.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the LIGHTFOOT shipwreck for good conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the LIGHTFOOT shipwreck does not specify the best months or seasons for good conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving in Cornwall & Devon, please consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the LIGHTFOOT wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed for the LIGHTFOOT wreck, its classification as a dangerous wreck and intermediate difficulty suggests that an Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Additionally, specialized training in wreck diving is highly advisable to safely navigate and explore the features of this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the LIGHTFOOT dive site?
Our current data for the LIGHTFOOT dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on conditions.