MESSINA - Cornwall & Devon

The Messina is one of those deep wrecks that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a proper time capsule. Lying at 49 metres, she’s a steamship that went down in 1885, and for us, that history really tells when you drop onto her. You’ll find her largely intact, boilers still prominent, and the single shaft leading off to the stern. We love poking around her engine room section, imagining the crew trying to save her as she foundered. She’s a big girl at 70 metres long, so you’ll want more than one dive to properly get a feel for her. The bow section is our favourite for lingering, often draped in plumose anemones, their feathery tentacles swaying in the gentle surge. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, sometimes pushing 15 metres, which really lets you appreciate the scale. Keep an eye out for resident conger eels, they’re often found in the darker recesses of the holds. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, no doubt, demanding good buoyancy and gas planning. It’s cold, dark, and deep, but utterly rewarding.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.307450, -1.821417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 MESSINA

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 MESSINA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving in the Messina Strait, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
The provided data specifically describes the MESSINA wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which lies at a depth of 49m. Information regarding typical depths or options for shallow and deep dives within the Messina Strait is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Messina, especially in the Strait?
When diving the MESSINA wreck in Cornwall & Devon, divers can explore the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1872 and sunk in 1885. Notable features include its two boilers and an inverted compound expansion engine. The provided data does not contain information about marine life or features specific to the Messina Strait.
How challenging are the dive sites in Messina, particularly considering the currents in the Strait, and are there options for different skill levels?
The MESSINA wreck dive site in Cornwall & Devon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This indicates it is suitable for divers with some experience. The provided data does not offer details on current conditions in the Messina Strait or options for different skill levels within the Strait.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Messina for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the MESSINA wreck in Cornwall & Devon does not include information about the best time of year for diving, optimal conditions, or marine life sightings. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended for diving in the Messina Strait, especially for more advanced sites?
Diving the MESSINA wreck in Cornwall & Devon, classified as an intermediate dive, would typically require certifications suitable for such a difficulty level, often implying advanced open water or equivalent training. The provided data does not specify certification requirements for the Messina Strait or its advanced sites.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving in the Messina Strait, and how do they impact dives?
The provided data for the MESSINA wreck in Cornwall & Devon does not include information about typical current conditions or visibility. Therefore, we cannot comment on how these factors might impact dives, either at this specific wreck or in the Messina Strait.