MIDDLESEX - Cornwall & Devon

The Middlesex, off the coast of Cornwall, is a proper chunk of history on the seabed. We love it because it’s a big wreck, 140 metres long, and you really feel the scale as you descend onto it. Sunk in 1941, this steamship lies in about 24 metres, providing plenty of structure to explore. You’ll find schools of bib and pollack darting through the superstructure, and the boilers are always a favourite spot to peer into – watch for conger eels tucked away in the shadows. Visibility can be a typical UK affair, sometimes a bit murky, but on a good day, the sheer size of the Middlesex is impressive. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the weight of history and don't mind a bit of a current. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to make the most of the deck exploration; otherwise, it can be a bit of a workout. It’s a site for experienced divers, given the depth and potential for currents, but totally worth it for the sense of discovery.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.355650, -3.168067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: Flat 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 MIDDLESEX

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 MIDDLESEX

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