SLEMISH - Cornwall & Devon

The Slemish, a steamship sunk by a U-boat in 1944, lies upright at 54 metres. She’s a decent sized wreck, 76 metres long, and still holds her shape well despite the years. We’ve found her to be a good technical dive, a chance to explore a proper wreck without the strong currents that sometimes plague other sites in the area. Look for the triple expansion engine, a great focal point, and the usual suspects like conger eels tucked into nooks. The visibility can vary, as with most UK diving, but on a good day, the Slemish offers a rewarding trip for experienced wreck divers.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.744667, -1.702500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

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 SLEMISH

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 SLEMISH

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 diving at Slemish?
The Slemish dive site is a deep wreck dive, with a typical depth of 54 meters. Divers exploring this historic steamship will primarily be operating at this depth.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Slemish?
Slemish is a fascinating wreck dive, featuring the remains of a 76.2m x 11m steamship that was torpedoed in 1944. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, divers can expect to explore the structural elements of this historic vessel.
How difficult is the Slemish dive site, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
The Slemish dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 54 meters, it is not suitable for all certification levels and is best undertaken by experienced divers with appropriate deep diving certifications.
What is the best time of year to dive Slemish for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Slemish for optimal visibility and conditions. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore Slemish?
Given that Slemish is an intermediate difficulty dive with a depth of 54 meters, specific advanced certifications, such as a deep diver specialty, would be highly recommended or required. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate training and equipment for such challenging wreck dives.
What are the prevailing currents and water conditions like at the Slemish dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the prevailing currents or water conditions at the Slemish dive site. Divers planning to explore this wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.