LST 531

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

South of Portland

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LST 531 offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 48m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.