NECHES - Cornwall & Devon

The Neches is a proper deep dive, a huge American steamship sitting upright at 53 metres, and for us, it’s one of the best technical wrecks in Lyme Bay. Dropping down, you’ll find an intact bow and stern, with the midships collapsed, giving you some really interesting swim-throughs if you've got the training and the gas for it. We love the way the light filters through the collapsed sections, illuminating the thick carpets of plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers that cling to every surface. This isn't a dive for the casual enthusiast, though. You’ll need deep wreck experience, solid gas planning, and a calm head, because the currents can pick up, and that depth eats bottom time. Our favourite part has to be exploring the massive cargo holds; keep an eye out for resident conger eels tucked into the dark corners. Even on a dim day, the sheer scale of the Neches is impressive. It’s a dive that rewards careful planning and respect, leaving you with a real sense of its history, a snapshot of wartime maritime loss.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.198933, -3.631186
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 NECHES

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 NECHES

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