MABEL BAIRD - Cornwall & Devon

The Mabel Baird is a proper deep dive, sitting upright at 51 metres, and she’s our pick for a challenging but rewarding wreck in Cornwall. Dropping down, the sheer scale of her hits you; 88 metres of history, surprisingly intact for a ship sunk by a U-boat torpedo in 1917. We love exploring the bow, which points north, where the anchor chains spill out into the sand. You'll often find conger eels peering from every dark hole and massive pollack circling above. Penetration is possible into the engine room, though it’s a tight squeeze and only for experienced wreck divers. You can really get a sense of her working life down there. The stern is also fantastic, with the propeller still in place, encrusted with dead man's fingers and anemones. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as is often the case in these waters, but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure. Best dived on a slack tide, obviously. You want to maximise your time at depth here; there's a lot to take in.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.925774, -5.270182
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

Marine Protected Area: Lizard Point

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 MABEL BAIRD

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 MABEL BAIRD

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 at the Mabel Baird site?
The Mabel Baird dive site is typically found at a depth of 51 meters. This deep wreck offers a challenging dive experience, making it suitable for divers qualified and comfortable with such depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Mabel Baird?
Divers exploring the Mabel Baird can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, sunk on December 22, 1917. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 88.1m x 13.7m, features a triple expansion engine and single shaft machine. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about common species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Mabel Baird dive site for divers of different experience levels?
The Mabel Baird dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This indicates it is best suited for divers who have gained experience beyond entry-level certifications. Divers should be comfortable with deeper dives and the conditions often associated with wreck diving.
What is considered the best time of year or season to dive at Mabel Baird?
Specific information regarding the best time of year or season to dive at the Mabel Baird site is not available in our current data. We recommend consulting local dive operators for up-to-date seasonal advice. For general guidance on optimal diving periods, please refer to our when to dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive Mabel Baird?
Given its depth of 51 meters and intermediate difficulty rating, diving the Mabel Baird typically requires advanced or technical diving certifications. Divers should possess significant experience with deep diving and potentially wreck diving techniques to safely explore this site. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for such demanding conditions.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Mabel Baird dive site?
Our current data does not provide specific details on the usual current conditions or visibility at the Mabel Baird dive site. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors before planning their dive.