PROTESILAUS - Cornwall & Devon

The Protesilaus isn't about depth or vibrant corals. It’s about history, cold water archaeology, and the surprising life that clings to metal on the seabed. We love this site for its accessibility and the sheer impact of its story. This steamship met its end in 1940, a victim of a mine, and now lies broken but mostly intact at a mere five metres. The wreck is quite broken up in places, but you can still pick out significant sections of the hull and superstructure. We find the bow particularly dramatic, often shrouded in a green twilight, with schools of juvenile pollock swirling around the twisted metal. Look closely and you’ll spot plumose anemones, their feathery tentacles swaying with the gentle surge, and velvet swimming crabs scuttling amongst the plates. The visibility here can vary wildly, but on a good day, with a bit of sun, the light filtering through the kelp can be quite magical. It’s a site that suits newer wreck divers or anyone looking for a relaxed, atmospheric dive without the need for advanced skills. Go at slack tide for the easiest conditions, and remember a good torch – even at five metres, the shadows can be deep.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.567123, -3.961188
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Bracelet Bay

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 PROTESILAUS

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 PROTESILAUS

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