MFB GOLDEN DAWN - Cornwall & Devon

The MFB Golden Dawn, a trawler resting at 17m, is a fantastic dive for getting a proper feel for wreck diving in UK waters. We love it because it’s surprisingly intact for its age and location, offering genuine penetration opportunities for those with the right training. You can duck into the wheelhouse, where the helm is still discernible, or explore the engine room if you’re comfortable in confined spaces. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where you’ll often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, their thick bodies disappearing further into the gloom as you approach. The wreck itself, while not huge, feels substantial, blanketed in dead man’s fingers and hydroids. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical of the Channel, but when it's good, say 10-12m, the light filtering through the superstructure is beautiful. Aim for slack water, preferably on a neap tide, to really take your time and appreciate the details. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, revealing new nooks and resident crabs each time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.342575, -3.083707
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Steep Holm

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 MFB GOLDEN DAWN

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 MFB GOLDEN DAWN

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