MARIE MASHMAN - Cornwall & Devon

The Marie Mashman, a steamship that went down off Nannels in 1907, isn't deep. At just 5m, it’s a brilliant training wreck or a relaxed second dive. What we love about it is how accessible it feels, even in Cornwall's sometimes choppy conditions. You'll spot sections of the hull, some plates, and scattered debris, all of it heavily draped in kelp. It’s a proper low-relief wreck, blended into the seabed, more an archaeological scattering than an intact vessel. Look closely amongst the kelp fronds and you’ll often find wrasse peering out, or a velvet crab scuttling across a rusty girder. On a sunny day, with the light filtering through the green canopy, it’s remarkably atmospheric. We’d suggest going at slack tide for the best visibility; it really makes a difference here, allowing you to appreciate the details of the wreck and its resident critters without fighting a surge. It’s not a big penetration dive, obviously, but it’s a lovely, gentle potter around a piece of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.741116, -2.243883
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 MARIE MASHMAN

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 MARIE MASHMAN

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