LORD STEWART - Cornwall & Devon

The *Lord Stewart* isn't one of those wrecks that jumps out at you with dramatic upright mast structures. No, she’s a scattered steamship, torpedoed in 1918 by UB-104. What we love about her is the history you can feel in the bent plates and the way she’s spread across the seabed. It’s a proper rummage dive, down at 21 metres, with various pieces of machinery and hull sections forming little reefs. Visibility here can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the UK, but on a good day, the green light filtering down really highlights the resident wrasse and pollock darting between the frames. Keep an eye out for conger eels too, they’re often tucked deep inside the more intact sections. Our pick for a dive here would be on a neap tide, giving you maximum bottom time to explore the debris field properly without fighting a current. It’s a fantastic site for those who enjoy piecing together a story from the scattered remains, rather than just admiring an intact structure.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.501960, -3.320676
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Marine Protected Area: Lyme Bay and Torbay

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 LORD STEWART

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 LORD STEWART

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 maximum depth of the Lord Stewart dive site and what is the depth to the top of the wreck?
The Lord Stewart dive site has a maximum depth of 21 meters. The provided data does not specify a separate depth to the top of the wreck, implying the wreck likely rests close to the seabed at this depth.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Lord Stewart wreck?
Divers exploring the Lord Stewart can expect to see the remains of a 75.6m x 11m steam ship vessel, which was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine UB-104 on September 16, 1918. While the wreck itself offers significant historical features, specific details about marine life inhabiting the site are not available in the current data. For general marine life information, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Lord Stewart wreck dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Lord Stewart wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," an intermediate level of diving experience is recommended to safely explore this historical site.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive the Lord Stewart wreck for optimal visibility and conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or specific tidal conditions for optimal visibility and diving conditions at the Lord Stewart wreck is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our when to dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the Lord Stewart wreck?
Given the Lord Stewart is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended. Additionally, a Wreck Diver specialty certification would provide valuable skills and knowledge for safely exploring such a site. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for wreck diving.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Lord Stewart dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Lord Stewart dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on conditions before planning their dive.