MARIA, JULIA & MATHILDA JEAN - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the trio of Belgian fishing trawlers, the Maria, Julia, and Mathilda Jean, is a proper journey back in time. These three went down together in 1918, sunk by a submarine, and they’ve settled on the seabed at 37 metres. What we love about this site is the way they’ve come to rest – close enough that you get a real sense of the event. You’re not going to find grand intact structures here; these are classic early 20th-century wooden fishing vessels, now broken but still recognisable as wrecks. What remains are frames, sections of hull, and the tell-tale scattering of pottery and bottles if you look closely. It’s a site for history buffs and those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea. We’ve found everything from hefty conger eels coiled in the deeper sections to colourful jewel anemones coating the exposed timbers. Visibility can be typical English Channel, around 5-10 metres, so a good torch is essential for peering into the darker spots. Expect a decent current sometimes, so pick your slack water carefully. It’s a site that rewards patient exploration rather than a quick swim-through.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.830185, -0.276783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

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 MARIA, JULIA & MATHILDA JEAN

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 MARIA, JULIA & MATHILDA JEAN

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