LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The **London Trader**, or what we strongly suspect is her, offers a deep, moody dive that’s all about the history. Down at 58 metres, you’re definitely in technical territory here, so plan your gas and deco accordingly. When we’ve been, the visibility is typically *very* British, hovering around 5-10 metres, but that just adds to the atmosphere as you descend into the gloom. She’s a steel-hulled steamship, built in 1934, and went down in July 1940. The wreck is pretty broken up, but you can still pick out the lines of the hull and the impressive boiler, which is always our favourite part to explore. Look closely in the nooks and crannies of the plates; we’ve often found conger eels tucked away, their heads peering out. Shoals of bib and pouting will flicker through the superstructure, and if you bring a good light, the colours of the jewel anemones clinging to the metal are striking. This isn't a dive for coral gardens; it’s a dive for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the silent, cold beauty of a piece of history. Best dived on slack water, obviously.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.599033, -0.302583
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: Kingmere

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 LONDON TRADER (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 LONDON TRADER (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

What is the typical depth range for diving the 'London' shipwreck in the Thames Estuary?
The provided data for the 'LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY)' wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, indicates a typical depth of 58 meters. Information regarding a 'London' shipwreck specifically in the Thames Estuary is not available in the provided context. This deep wreck dive requires appropriate training and experience.
What kind of historical artifacts and marine life can divers expect to see on the 'London' shipwreck?
Divers exploring the 'LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY)' wreck in Cornwall & Devon can expect to encounter the remains of a steel-hulled steam ship, built in 1934 and sunk in 1940. Notable features include its single boiler and triple expansion engine, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically serve as vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse aquatic species.
How challenging is diving the 'London' shipwreck, considering the strong currents and extremely limited visibility?
Diving the 'LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY)' wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. The provided data does not specify conditions such as strong currents or extremely limited visibility for this particular site. Divers should always be prepared for typical wreck diving challenges and consult local dive operators for current conditions.
What are the optimal times or specific tidal conditions to dive the 'London' shipwreck for the best experience?
The provided data for the 'LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY)' wreck in Cornwall & Devon does not specify optimal times or particular tidal conditions for diving. For the best experience, divers should consult local dive centers or refer to general resources on when to dive specific regions. Always check local conditions before planning a dive.
What diving certifications or special permissions are required to explore the protected 'London' shipwreck site?
To explore the 'LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY)' wreck, which lies at a depth of 58 meters, divers would typically require advanced or technical diving certifications appropriate for deep wreck diving. The provided data classifies it as a "Non-dangerous wreck" but does not indicate it is a "protected site" or requires special permissions. Always verify local regulations and certification requirements with a reputable dive operator.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like at the 'London' shipwreck site in the Thames Estuary?
The provided data for the 'LONDON TRADER (POSSIBLY)' wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, does not include details on typical underwater currents or visibility conditions. Furthermore, this information is not available for a 'London' shipwreck specifically in the Thames Estuary within the given context. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date site conditions before planning their dive.