MALLARD (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Mallard, or at least what we’re pretty sure is the Mallard, is a proper technical dive, sitting deep at 48 metres. Dropping down, the visibility in this part of the Channel can be a lottery, but when it’s good, the structure slowly emerges from the gloom. She went down in 1940, a decent-sized motor vessel at nearly 50 metres long, and the years on the seabed have taken their toll, but the general shape is still there. We love exploring the engine room, which is often still surprisingly open, a real deep dive into maritime history. Look for the prop shaft running aft and the faint outlines of her deck machinery. The hull is well broken in places, creating nooks and crannies that are home to conger eels, and we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into the plating. This is a dive for experienced technical divers, comfortable with decompression, who appreciate the silent, cold embrace of a historical wreck. It’s not about vibrant colours here, it’s about the atmosphere, the size of the structure, and the quiet dignity of a ship lost at sea. Plan for a decent bottom time to really appreciate the scale.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.389763, -2.346597
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Marine Protected Area: South Dorset

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 MALLARD (POSSIBLY)

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 MALLARD (POSSIBLY)

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 for diving the plane wrecks near Bimini, including the 'Mallard' if it refers to a specific aircraft wreck?
The provided data describes the 'Mallard' as a motor vessel shipwreck located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not an aircraft wreck near Bimini. This particular shipwreck lies at a depth of 48m. Information regarding typical depths for plane wrecks near Bimini is not available in the current data context.
What kind of marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see at the plane wreck dive sites in Bimini?
The current data context details the 'Mallard' as a motor vessel shipwreck, sunk in 1940, with dimensions of 49.8m x 8.1m, located off the United Kingdom. This data does not include information about marine life or wreckage specific to plane wreck dive sites in Bimini.
What is the difficulty level for diving the plane wrecks in Bimini, and are they suitable for beginner divers or snorkelers?
The data provided specifies the 'Mallard' shipwreck, a motor vessel in Cornwall & Devon, has an intermediate difficulty level. However, there is no information in the current context regarding the difficulty level for diving plane wrecks in Bimini, nor their suitability for beginner divers or snorkelers.
What is the best time of year to dive the plane wrecks in Bimini for optimal conditions and marine life viewing?
The provided data focuses on the 'Mallard' shipwreck, a motor vessel in the United Kingdom, and does not contain any information about the best time of year for diving plane wrecks in Bimini. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the shallow plane wreck sites in Bimini?
The current data context describes the 'Mallard' shipwreck, an intermediate-difficulty motor vessel wreck at 48m depth in Cornwall & Devon. It does not provide any details on specific diving certifications required for exploring shallow plane wreck sites in Bimini.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions around the plane wreck dive sites in Bimini?
The provided data details the 'Mallard' shipwreck, a motor vessel located in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom. This context does not include information about typical water currents or visibility conditions around plane wreck dive sites in Bimini.