MARGARETHA (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Margaretha, off the coast of Cornwall, is one of those wrecks that really tells a story, even if much of it is conjecture. We love a historical mystery, and this motor vessel, sunk by a mine in 1940, certainly delivers. At a shallow 8 metres, it’s not about deep exploration, but rather a chance to really soak in a piece of wartime history. What you'll find is a very broken up wreck, scattered across the seabed. Think more debris field than intact vessel, but don’t let that put you off. The structure that remains is a fantastic home for marine life. We’ve seen conger eels poking out from under plates of twisted metal, and the skeletal remains of the hull offer shelter to spider crabs. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, with the sun filtering through, the metal takes on a greenish glow. It’s a good spot for newer wreck divers or those who prefer a longer bottom time without the narcosis. Look for the anchor chain running off into the sand – a poignant reminder of her last journey from Newport to Plymouth. Just remember, it can get silty, so take your time and watch your fins.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.384785, -3.214700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Sully Island

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 MARGARETHA (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 MARGARETHA (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