MARGARET SMITH - Cornwall & Devon

The Margaret Smith is a proper wreck dive, sitting upright and mostly intact on a sandy seabed off Yarmouth. We love a wreck that still looks like a ship, and this 43-metre dredger certainly delivers. Dropping down, you’ll first hit the wheelhouse, often swarming with schools of pollack, their silvery bodies flashing as you approach. The main deck runs the length of the vessel, just 14 metres down, making it perfect for longer bottom times. Inside, the engine room is a highlight. We always find conger eels tucked into every dark corner, sometimes one, sometimes two, their thick bodies barely fitting. Watch for crabs scuttling over the plating and lobsters peering out from under collapsed sections. There’s a wonderful sense of exploration here; you can swim through the holds and along the companionways, imagining her final moments after she capsized and drifted. It’s a site that suits those who enjoy penetration, but even just circling the exterior offers plenty to see. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the sand nearby.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.716084, -1.469250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Marine Protected Area: Bouldnor and Hamstead Cliffs

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 MARGARET SMITH

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 MARGARET SMITH

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