OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Osprey, or at least this chunky bow section, is a proper deep dive, sitting at 52 metres. It's a dark, silty site, and we love it for its sheer sense of history. Dropping down, you often hit a thermocline around 20 metres, then the temperature really drops. Down on the seabed, the bow faces north, upright and fairly intact for a wreck sunk in 1866. You can make out the anchor hawse pipes, and if you bring a decent torch, the structure of the forecastle still holds a lot of detail. This isn’t a wreck for darting about; it’s about slow, careful exploration. We’ve found conger eels tucked deep within the plates, and the odd lobster clinging on. Visibility can be 10 metres on a good day, but often it’s less, which just adds to the atmosphere. Our pick for this site is a slack tide dive, just after high water, as the currents can be strong here. It’s a dive for those comfortable with deco and low light, but the feeling of touching something so old, so far down, is pretty special.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.186350, -2.936783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

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 OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (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 OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (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 depth range for diving the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) dive site?
The OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) dive site has a typical depth of 52 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience. Divers should be prepared for conditions associated with such depths.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY)?
Divers exploring the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, which sank on July 10, 1866. This non-dangerous wreck features a distinctive clipper bow and a compound engine, measuring 65.2 meters by 6.1 meters. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often serve as artificial reefs; you can learn more about general marine life at our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY), and is it suitable for advanced divers only?
Diving the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) is classified as intermediate difficulty. While not exclusively for advanced divers, its depth of 52 meters suggests that divers should possess appropriate training and experience for deep diving. It's recommended to have experience with similar conditions and depths before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY) for optimal conditions or marine encounters. General information about when to dive in the Cornwall & Devon region can often be found on our When to Dive page, which may offer insights into seasonal conditions.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY)?
Given the depth of 52 meters and intermediate difficulty, specific certifications for deep diving are highly recommended to safely explore the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY). Divers should ensure they are adequately trained and experienced for such depths. Always dive within your certification limits and consider additional training for advanced wreck or deep diving.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced when diving the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY)?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current or visibility conditions for diving the OSPREY (BOW SECTION) (POSSIBLY). Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date information on these conditions. Always be prepared for varying conditions when diving deep wrecks.