MERCIA
Protected Area
Severn Estuary
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - MERCIA offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Mercia, a tug sunk by a mine in 1942, sits in just 4m of water, making it a fantastic, shallow dive for almost anyone. We love it because it’s a proper wreck, not just a pile of rubble, and the sheer volume of life that’s made it home is incredible. You’ll find schools of pollack hanging in the superstructure, conger eels tucked into every crevice, and the whole wreck is encrusted with plumose anemones, especially on the deeper side. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, with the sun filtering through the shallows, the light play on the wreck is beautiful. We'd suggest timing your dive for high slack water to avoid any current and maximise your bottom time poking around the engine room and the bow. It’s perfect for extended exploration, photography, or even just a leisurely drift over the deck. Our favourite aspect is the sheer density of colour from the anemones and jewel anemones – it transforms the wreck into a vibrant, living reef.
Typical MERCIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to MERCIA
Dive shops near MERCIA
Extreme Marine
Welsh Diving
The Lake
InDepth
Vobster Quay Dive Shop
Reviews for MERCIA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MERCIA
MERCIA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MERCIA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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