PERSISTENT - Cornwall & Devon

The *Persistent* isn't a dive you just drop onto. This is a deliberate expedition, a deep, dark plunge into history sitting at 33 metres, well within the realm of decompression diving for most. We’ve found her to be a moody, atmospheric wreck, often shrouded in the greens and greys typical of the English Channel. What makes her a standout for us isn't the sheer scale, but the story etched into the hull and the incredible way marine life has reclaimed her. Her sinking in 1919 was, as the records put it, "dangerous," and you can still feel that sense of finality down there. The wreck itself is quite broken, but there are still plenty of ribs and plates to trace, creating intriguing swim-throughs for the careful diver. Look for the glint of dogfish eggs tucked into crevices and the slow, deliberate movements of conger eels in the deeper sections. Our favourite moments here are when the vis pushes past ten metres, and you can truly appreciate the ghostly silhouette of the wreck against the gloom, the light playing on the shoals of pollock that patrol the structure. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck that’s been truly absorbed by the ocean.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.347366, -3.376367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

Marine Protected Area: East Aberthaw Coast

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 PERSISTENT

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 PERSISTENT

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