POMELLA - Cornwall & Devon

The Pomella, a tanker sunk in 1942, sits deep at 54 metres, a real expedition dive off the Cornish coast. We’re talking proper technical diving here, not a casual jaunt, but for those with the training, she’s a magnificent behemoth. Her sheer size, 139 metres long, means you’ll need multiple dives to even scratch the surface of her structure. Dropping down, the bow section is often the most intact, a ghostly silhouette emerging from the green. You can still make out the superstructure, and the twin 12-cylinder oil engines, situated aft, are a monumental sight for anyone interested in maritime engineering. We love drifting along her deck, imagining the scale of her former life, now completely reclaimed. It’s dark down there, even on a sunny day, so good lights are non-negotiable. Look for conger eels lurking in the deeper holds, and often huge bib and pollack cruise her length, surprisingly unafraid. Our favourite part is exploring the bridge area, where the sense of history is palpable. The currents can be a factor, so time your descent carefully, ideally on slack water. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts and technical divers looking for a serious challenge and a truly immersive piece of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.331516, -3.017283
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

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 POMELLA

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 POMELLA

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 encountering Mola mola (ocean sunfish) while diving?
The provided data context for the POMELLA dive site, a wreck at 54m, does not include any information regarding the typical depth range for encountering Mola mola. To learn more about specific marine life, you might consult our wildlife database.
What kind of marine life, specifically Mola mola, can divers expect to see at dive sites known for them?
The provided data specifically describes the POMELLA wreck, a tanker sunk in 1942, but it does not detail the marine life, including Mola mola, that divers can expect to see at this site or at dive sites known for Mola mola. Our comprehensive wildlife database can offer more general information on various species.
What is the difficulty level for diving with Mola mola, and are there any specific challenges or conditions to be aware of?
While the POMELLA wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, the provided data does not contain information about the difficulty level, specific challenges, or conditions associated with diving with Mola mola. Always ensure you are prepared for the conditions of any dive site.
What is the best time of year to dive for Mola mola sightings, considering seasonal conditions?
The data provided for the POMELLA dive site does not include any information about the best time of year for Mola mola sightings or their seasonal conditions. For general seasonal diving advice, you may wish to explore our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive in areas where Mola mola are frequently found?
The POMELLA wreck, with its 54m depth and intermediate difficulty, would typically require advanced certifications. However, the provided data does not specify recommended or required scuba diving certifications for areas where Mola mola are frequently found. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at Mola mola dive sites?
The provided data focuses on the POMELLA wreck and does not contain any information regarding typical currents or water conditions at Mola mola dive sites. Conditions can vary greatly by location, so it's always best to consult local dive guides.