SHAD THAMES - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the Shad Thames, you’re met with a surprisingly intact steamship, considering she went down in 1918. Her stern, where the machinery is located, sits deeper at 45m. We’ve found the bow section to be a little shallower and often the first part to come into view. You can see the single boiler and the compound expansion engine pretty clearly, still very much part of the wreck’s structure. Over the years, she’s become a home for a good variety of fish, conger eels tucked into crevices, and we’ve even spotted a few lobsters scuttling across the deck plates. This site is definitely one for those who appreciate a bit of maritime history and don’t mind a deeper dive in cooler waters.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.826416, -4.797550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Bristol Channel Approaches / Dynesfeydd Môr Hafren

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 SHAD THAMES

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 SHAD THAMES

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 diving depth and visibility in Shad Thames?
The typical diving depth for the Shad Thames wreck is 45 meters. While specific visibility data isn't provided, divers exploring this steam ship vessel can expect conditions common for deep wreck dives in the Cornwall & Devon area. Always consult local dive operators for current visibility reports before your dive.
What kind of marine life or underwater attractions can divers expect to see in Shad Thames?
Divers exploring Shad Thames will primarily encounter the fascinating remains of a steam ship vessel, sunk on March 15, 1918. This 50.3m x 8.1m wreck, built in 1902, features a boiler, compound expansion engine, and machinery aft, offering an intriguing historical dive. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks commonly become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving in Shad Thames, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving in Shad Thames is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 45 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is not typically suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for deep and wreck environments to safely explore this site.
What are the best times or tidal conditions to plan a dive in Shad Thames?
The provided data does not specify the best times or tidal conditions for diving the Shad Thames wreck. For general guidance on planning dives in the Cornwall & Devon area, it's always recommended to consult local dive operators or resources like DivePlnr's When to Dive section for up-to-date information.
Are there any specific certifications or local permits required for diving in Shad Thames?
The data does not specify any particular certifications or local permits required for diving the Shad Thames wreck. However, given its 45-meter depth and intermediate difficulty, divers should hold advanced or deep diving certifications and potentially wreck diving specialties. Always check with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for the most current requirements.
What are the usual water currents and temperatures experienced by divers in Shad Thames?
The provided information for the Shad Thames dive site does not include details on usual water currents or temperatures. Divers planning to explore this wreck in Cornwall & Devon should anticipate conditions typical for the United Kingdom and consult local forecasts or dive operators for up-to-date environmental data. Proper equipment, including appropriate exposure protection, is always recommended.