NYASALAND - Cornwall & Devon

The Nyasaland, a steamship captured by a German U-boat in 1918, lies surprisingly intact at 49m. This isn't a site for casual diving; its depth means you’ll need solid deep wreck experience and ideally some gas planning know-how. But for those ready, the reward is a quiet, atmospheric dive. We love the way the light filters through the green-blue water, catching the outlines of the cargo holds, still full of coal. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing to emerge from the gloom, stern-up on the seabed. You can often swim over the main deck, spotting the anchor chains draped across the foredeck. Our favourite part is peeking into the holds, the coal still looking remarkably fresh after over a century. The wreck itself, while not huge at 45m, feels substantial in the low visibility. Conger eels are often tucked into any available crevice, their heads protruding from between twisted metal plates, and sometimes we’ve even spotted a curious anglerfish settling into the seabed nearby. It’s a proper historical dive, the silence only broken by your own bubbles, reminding you of its dramatic end. This is a real journey into the past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.400585, -2.917930
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 NYASALAND

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 NYASALAND

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