wreck

Log This Dive

LIVONIA

The Livonia. Now, she’s a proper wreck dive, sitting upright at 35 metres, a real deep history lesson off the coast of Cornwall. We’ve always had a soft spot for these First World War wrecks, you can almost feel the stories she holds. Dropping down, you’ll find her surprisingly intact, still holding much of her shape despite the torpedo that put her down in 1917. Her two boilers are a big draw, huge cylinders that jut out, often draped in plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the current. We love exploring the triple expansion engine, it’s a tangible link to her past, a reminder of the power that once pushed her through these waters. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs, often the colourful jewel anemones clinging to the metalwork, and the dark recesses always seem to hold a few inquisitive conger eels, peering out from their makeshift homes. Visibility can be a typical Cornish affair, sometimes a crisp 15 metres, other days a moody 5, but even in murkier conditions, her sheer size makes for an atmospheric dive. Our top tip? Hit her on a slack tide, otherwise, you’ll be working for that depth. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the history as much as the marine life.