LST 531 - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the LST 531 at 48 metres, you’re not just hitting a wreck; you’re touching a piece of history, frozen in time. This isn’t a gentle drift dive; you need your wits about you for this one. We find the sheer scale of the vessel, around 100 metres long, genuinely striking as it emerges from the gloom. The LST lies upright, remarkably intact for a wreck sunk by torpedo fire, and we love exploring the bow section, often finding conger eels peering from the deeper recesses. Look out for the twin 40mm Bofors guns still in position, bristling with dead man’s fingers. The visibility here can be tricky, classic English Channel stuff, but when it clears, the atmosphere is incredible. We’ve had dives where you can see the entire superstructure, draped in anemones, and others where it’s a pure torch-and-feel exploration. This site really shines with a bit of ambient light, allowing you to appreciate the sheer size and the tragic story it represents. For experienced divers comfortable with deeper dives and potential current, the LST 531 offers a profound, poignant dive, revealing both the power of the ocean to reclaim and the enduring weight of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.434483, -2.746650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 LST 531

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 LST 531

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