OOST VLAANDEREN - Cornwall & Devon

The Oost Vlaanderen, tucked away off the Cornish coast, is one of those wrecks we always make time for. She’s a motor vessel, sunk by a Whirlwind bomber back in ‘43, and sits upright on a sandy seabed at 25 metres. We love an upright wreck, it just feels more substantial, more like a ship than a pile of scrap. Visibility here can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the UK, but on a good day, the structure emerges from the green, dark and imposing. You’ll find the bow section still quite intact, and we always spend a good while poking around the cargo holds – they're open, offering easy penetration for those with the right training. Expect to see plenty of pollack hanging around the higher points of the wreck, and a surprising number of conger eels in the deeper crevices. Our favourite part is the engine room, which is often accessible, and feels like stepping back in time. This site is great for experienced divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of current, which can sometimes sweep through. Dive it on a slack tide for the best experience.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.439217, -2.497833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 OOST VLAANDEREN

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 OOST VLAANDEREN

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 maximum depth for recreational diving in Oost-Vlaanderen dive sites like Blaarmeersen?
For the Oost-Vlaanderen dive site, the typical maximum depth for recreational diving is 25 meters. This site is a fascinating wreck, offering divers a chance to explore a sunken motor vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Oost-Vlaanderen, particularly at sites like Blaarmeersen?
When diving at the Oost-Vlaanderen site, divers can expect to explore a significant underwater attraction- the wreck of a motor vessel. This vessel, sunk on May 23, 1943, measures 45.4m x 7.9m and is classified as a dangerous wreck. The site offers a unique historical diving experience.
How challenging are the dive sites in Oost-Vlaanderen, such as Blaarmeersen, for different skill levels?
The Oost-Vlaanderen dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This means it is suitable for divers with some experience, offering a rewarding challenge without being overly demanding for advanced divers. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive in Oost-Vlaanderen for optimal visibility and water conditions?
The provided data for the Oost-Vlaanderen dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and water conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific certifications or permits required to dive at sites in Oost-Vlaanderen, like Blaarmeersen?
The provided data for the Oost-Vlaanderen dive site does not specify any particular certifications or permits required. Divers should always ensure they meet the general certification requirements for wreck diving and consult local dive operators in the United Kingdom for specific regulations.
What are the typical water conditions, including visibility, temperature, and currents, at dive sites in Oost-Vlaanderen?
The provided data for the Oost-Vlaanderen dive site does not include specific details on typical water conditions such as visibility, temperature, or currents. For up-to-date information on conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, it is always best to check with local dive centers.