MAPLEFIELD - Cornwall & Devon

The Maplefield is a proper piece of history, resting upright on the seabed at 44 meters. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks that tell a story, and this one certainly does, a 1941 steamship gone down in a collision in 1945. It’s a deep dive, no doubt, and really suits those with some technical experience under their belt. When you drop down, the sheer scale of her is impressive, especially the bow section which is still very much intact. We love exploring the bridge area; it’s collapsed a bit but you can still get a real sense of the layout, imagining what it was like just before she went down. Look for the triple expansion engine, it's a fantastic sight. The wreck is absolutely smothered in plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the current, and we’ve often seen conger eels poking their heads out from deeper recesses. Visibility can be a bit hit-and-miss here, so we always check the tides and aim for slack water on a rising tide for the best chance of a clear view. It makes all the difference when you can really soak in the atmosphere.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.475456, -4.892758
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
44m

Marine Protected Area: Stackpole Quay - Trewent 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 MAPLEFIELD

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 MAPLEFIELD

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