MAPLEFIELD (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Maplefield, lost in 1945, is more than just another wreck off the Cornish coast. At 55 metres, this steamship is a serious deep dive, definitely not one for the casual explorer. We love how intact she is, especially for her age and depth. Dropping down, you’ll first pick out the stern, with the propeller still in place, often shrouded in a shoal of pout. Work your way forward and the triple expansion engine is a highlight, standing proud and still recognisable, a testament to her builders in Lytham. Our favourite part is the bow, often home to conger eels peeking out from behind the plates. The visibility here can be tricky; sometimes it’s a gin-clear 15 metres, other days it’s closer to five, making a good light essential. We’d suggest diving her on a slack tide, which can be short, so good dive planning is key. This is a dive for experienced technical divers, those who appreciate history and a wreck that still feels like a ship, not just a pile of scrap.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.451950, -4.908567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: North West of Lundy

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 (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 MAPLEFIELD (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