MARK ELAINE - Cornwall & Devon

The Mark Elaine is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She’s not massive, just a 15-meter fishing vessel, but what she lacks in size she makes up for in atmosphere and depth. Sunk back in ’79, she’s settled upright at 55 meters, perfectly placed for experienced technical divers looking for a deep, dark penetration. Dropping down, the light fades fast, and the wreck emerges from the gloom, often cloaked in schooling pollack. We love exploring her wheelhouse, still largely intact, and the engine room is a tight squeeze but worth the effort if you’re comfortable with the overhead environment. Look closely for those elusive bluefin tuna that sometimes patrol the deeper parts of the channel, a truly rare sight. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, with good visibility, for the best chance to appreciate her eerie stillness. It’s a proper dive for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and the quiet solitude of the deep.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.201145, -4.467769
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Gribbin Head - Polperro

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 MARK ELAINE

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 MARK ELAINE

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