PALLION (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Pallion, probably. That ‘probably’ in the name tells you a lot about diving the UK’s deeper wrecks – a bit of mystery, a fair amount of detective work, and the reward of finding something truly special. We love this site not just for the wreck itself, but for the story it tells. Sunk in 1873 due to a broken prop shaft, a mundane mechanical failure ending a journey from Cardiff to Suez with a load of coal. At 56 metres, this is a serious dive, best suited for experienced technical divers. We’ve always found the visibility here to be surprisingly good on a calm day, often a rich, emerald green that glows with torchlight. Dropping down, the structure emerges from the gloom, its 70-metre length slowly revealing itself. The two massive boilers are a particular favourite, standing proud amidst the collapsed hull, now completely colonised by plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for conger eels, their heads peeking out, and we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into crevices. The Pallion offers a real sense of history, a quiet, deep resting place for a working ship, now a vibrant artificial reef far from the shipping lanes.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.094300, -4.798833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: Lundy

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 PALLION (PROBABLY)

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 PALLION (PROBABLY)

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 are the typical depths of dive sites in Palau, and are there options for both shallow and deep diving?
Information regarding the typical depths of dive sites in Palau, and whether there are options for both shallow and deep diving, is not available in the current data context provided for DivePlnr. Our database currently details the PALLION (PROBABLY) wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which is at a depth of 56m and classified as intermediate difficulty.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Palau's dive sites?
Details about the marine life and underwater features divers can expect to see at Palau's dive sites are not present in the provided DivePlnr data context. The available information describes the PALLION (PROBABLY), a steam ship vessel sunk in 1873, which is a non-dangerous wreck with two boilers and a compound expansion engine. You can learn more about this specific wreck at its dedicated page.
How challenging is the diving in Palau, particularly for divers with less experience in strong currents?
The current DivePlnr data context does not contain information on the challenging nature of diving in Palau, nor specifics about currents for less experienced divers. However, the PALLION (PROBABLY) wreck in United Kingdom is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, with a depth of 56m.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Palau for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive in Palau for optimal conditions and marine life encounters is not available in the provided data context. For general guidance on dive planning, you might explore our when-to-dive section, though specific details for Palau are absent here.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving in Palau, especially for its more advanced sites?
The provided DivePlnr data context does not specify recommended or required scuba diving certifications for Palau, particularly for advanced sites. The PALLION (PROBABLY) wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, is an intermediate difficulty dive at 56m depth.
What are the typical water conditions like in Palau, including currents, visibility, and water temperature?
Details on typical water conditions in Palau, such as currents, visibility, and water temperature, are not included in the current DivePlnr data context. The information available pertains to the PALLION (PROBABLY) wreck, a steam ship that foundered in good weather when its prop shaft broke.