STAN WOOLAWAY - Cornwall & Devon

The Stan Woolaway, a dredger that went down in 1967, rests upright in about 17 metres, making it a good target for newer wreck divers or those looking for a longer bottom time. We found her surprisingly intact for a wreck of her age, with plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into, particularly around the superstructure. Look for the resident conger eels, often tucked into the deeper sections, and the shoals of pollock that swirl around the mast. It's a proper wreck dive without the extreme depths or currents sometimes found on other Cornish sites, a solid choice when the conditions are right.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.199270, -4.218217
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Marine Protected Area: Morte 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 STAN WOOLAWAY

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 STAN WOOLAWAY

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

How deep is the Stan Woolaway wreck dive and what are its key features?
The Stan Woolaway wreck dive reaches a depth of 17m. This fascinating site is a dredger vessel, built in 1955 and sunk on March 13, 1967. Measuring 43.3m x 7.9m, it was powered by an oil engine of 273 HP with a single shaft. It is classified as a dangerous wreck, offering a unique historical exploration opportunity.
What kind of marine life and points of interest can divers expect to see on the Stan Woolaway wreck?
While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, divers exploring the Stan Woolaway wreck can expect to discover the structure of this 43.3m x 7.9m dredger vessel. Points of interest include its oil engine and the general layout of the wreck, which sank in 1967. For general information on marine life in the region, you can consult our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving the Stan Woolaway wreck, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving the Stan Woolaway wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Therefore, it is generally not suitable for beginners. Divers should possess the necessary experience and training for wreck diving at a depth of 17m.
When is the best time of year to dive the Stan Woolaway wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Stan Woolaway wreck for optimal conditions and visibility. General diving conditions in the Cornwall & Devon region can vary. For more general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Stan Woolaway wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not listed, given the Stan Woolaway wreck's intermediate difficulty and classification as a dangerous wreck, advanced open water certification and specialized wreck diving training would be highly recommended. Divers should be comfortable with depths of 17m and potential overhead environments. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for such dives.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the Stan Woolaway dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical currents or specific underwater conditions at the Stan Woolaway dive site. However, as an intermediate wreck dive at 17m, divers should always be prepared for varying conditions typical of coastal waters in the Cornwall & Devon area. Always check local dive reports before planning your dive.