MILLISLE (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Millisle is a proper Cornish wreck, lying deep but beautifully intact for its age. We’ve spent some fantastic deco time on the stern, just watching the conger eels slip in and out of the plating. She went down in 1941 carrying coal, and that cargo is still visible in the holds, adding a strange texture to the darkness. The boiler is a standout, a huge, looming presence where shoals of pollock often gather, creating a shimmering curtain when your torch beam hits them. Visibility here can be a lottery, typical for the Channel, but on a good day, the sight of her masts stretching upwards from the seabed is genuinely moving. It’s a site for experienced divers, comfortable with depths down to 40 meters and a bit of current, but the rewards are there. We love the way she’s settled, offering plenty of swim-throughs and sheltered nooks for crabs and lobsters. Our advice? Go at slack water, bring a good reel, and take your time exploring the bridge area. That’s where we’ve had some cracking encounters with curious ballan wrasse.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.427963, -4.490020
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Gower

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 MILLISLE (POSSIBLY)

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 MILLISLE (POSSIBLY)

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 diving depths at Millisle Lagoon?
The Millisle wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, offers diving depths of 40 meters. This deep wreck dive provides an opportunity to explore the remains of a steam ship vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Millisle Lagoon?
Divers exploring the Millisle wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a 51.8m x 8.2m steam ship vessel, which sank in 1941. Key features include its single boiler and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is diving at Millisle Lagoon, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at the Millisle wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it unsuitable for beginners. This site is also designated as a Dangerous wreck, requiring experienced divers with appropriate training and equipment.
When is the best time of year to dive at Millisle Lagoon for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the Millisle wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Millisle Lagoon?
Given the Millisle wreck's depth of 40 meters and its classification as an intermediate and Dangerous wreck, advanced diving certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess training suitable for deep wreck diving and potentially technical diving, ensuring they are prepared for the specific challenges of this site.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at Millisle Lagoon?
Details regarding typical currents and specific water conditions at the Millisle wreck are not provided in our current data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on conditions in Cornwall & Devon.