P-555 (Wreck) - Cornwall & Devon

The P-555, a former Admiralty fuel barge, often gets overlooked for some of Cornwall’s more dramatic wrecks, but we think that's a mistake. We love its compact size and how well-preserved it is, sitting upright on a sandy seabed in just 13 metres of water. Dropping onto the deck, you’ll find yourself navigating through the superstructure, with schools of pollack swirling around the remaining winches and machinery. What makes the P-555 a standout for us is the sheer density of life that has colonised every available surface. Spider crabs clamber over encrusted metal, nudibranchs graze on hydroids, and we’ve often found small conger eels peeking out from darker recesses. It’s an ideal site for anyone looking to spend a full dive exploring every nook and cranny without worrying about extreme depth or challenging currents. Our favourite trick is to explore the interior spaces, which are surprisingly open and accessible, just remember to bring a good torch to really appreciate the colours of the anemones and jewel anemonies that carpet the internal walls.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.508400, -2.509100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 P-555 (Wreck)

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 P-555 (Wreck)

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