ONEGA (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Onega, a big old steamship from 1880, sits upright in around 31 metres of water off the coast of Cornwall. We love a wreck with some history, and this one, originally the British Queen, has had a few names in her time before she went down in 1918. You'll drop onto a truly substantial vessel, 122 metres of broken metal, and the sheer scale is the first thing that hits you. The stern, in particular, is a favourite section of ours for exploring, with its rudder still intact and the propeller blades often visible in decent visibility. Inside the hull, you'll find the three boilers, now home to plump conger eels that peer out from the darkness. We’ve had some fantastic dives here, often spotting dogfish tucked into crevices and schools of pollack circling the higher points of the wreck. It's an atmospheric dive, especially when the light filters down through the green water. Current can pick up, so we always suggest timing your dive for slack water to make the most of the penetration opportunities. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the bones of a ship.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.481110, -5.103271
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Marine Protected Area: Bedruthan Steps and Park Head

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 ONEGA (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 ONEGA (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 is the typical diving depth in Lake Onega, and what is its maximum depth?
The data provided is for the ONEGA (POSSIBLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, not a lake. For this specific wreck, the diving depth is 31 meters. Information regarding typical or maximum depths for a general "Lake Onega" is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in Lake Onega?
The provided information describes the ONEGA (POSSIBLY) wreck site, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1918, located in Cornwall & Devon. Divers can explore the impressive structure of this 122.2m x 12.2m wreck, including its three boilers and triple expansion engine. Details on specific marine life for this site are not available in the provided data.
How challenging are the diving conditions in Lake Onega, considering factors like water temperature and visibility?
Diving at the ONEGA (POSSIBLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon is classified as intermediate difficulty. However, specific details regarding water temperature and visibility for this site are not provided in the available data.
What is the best time of year for scuba diving in Lake Onega, and what are the seasonal considerations?
The provided data for the ONEGA (POSSIBLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon does not include information on the best time of year for diving or specific seasonal considerations. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving in Lake Onega, especially given its cold water and potential for ice?
For the ONEGA (POSSIBLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, the diving difficulty is rated as intermediate. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, an intermediate rating typically suggests divers should possess advanced open water certification or equivalent experience. The provided data does not mention cold water or ice conditions for this site.
What are the typical water currents and surface conditions like in Lake Onega for divers?
Information regarding typical water currents and surface conditions for the ONEGA (POSSIBLY) wreck site in Cornwall & Devon is not available in the provided data. Divers should always check local conditions before planning a dive.