LORD STONEHAVEN - Cornwall & Devon

The Lord Stonehaven is a deep, dramatic dive, one that truly separates the seasoned wreck divers from the sightseers. Dropping down to 58 metres, you’re looking at serious decompression obligations, so we’re talking technical diving territory here. But for those with the training, it’s absolutely worth the effort. This trawler, torpedoed by an E-boat in 1942, sits upright and largely intact, a somber monument to wartime history. We love the way the wreck is almost completely overgrown now, especially around the bow and stern sections. It’s a riot of plumose anemones, dead man’s fingers, and colourful sponges, all thriving in the cool, nutrient-rich Cornish waters. Look closely and you’ll often spot conger eels peeking out from the darker recesses, and we’ve seen some decent lobsters tucked into the debris. The wheelhouse is a highlight, though it’s started to collapse a bit, adding to that eerie, sunken atmosphere. Our tip for this one: pick your slack carefully. Any current at this depth can make for a miserable, energy-sapping dive. When it’s calm, the visibility can be surprisingly good for the UK, sometimes pushing 15 metres, which really makes the scale of the wreck pop into view. This is a dive for those who appreciate history, deep wrecks, and the quiet colonisation of steel by marine life.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.183930, -4.117804
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone

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 STONEHAVEN

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 STONEHAVEN

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