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