SWAINBY (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Swainby, sitting at 36 metres, is a proper dive into maritime history off the Cornwall and Devon coast. She was a steamship, built in 1904, and went down in 1906. You'll drop onto a substantial wreck, 99 metres long, with two boilers still prominent. They’re usually covered in anemones and dead man’s fingers, providing plenty of nooks for small crabs and blennies. It’s a dive for those who appreciate seeing how the ocean slowly reclaims these iron giants, perfect for a longer bottom time on nitrox to really take it all in.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.947400, -4.693033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Bristol Channel Approaches / Dynesfeydd Mor 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 SWAINBY (PROBABLY)

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 SWAINBY (PROBABLY)

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 maximum depth for scuba diving at Ellerton Lake, near Swainby?
Information regarding the maximum depth for scuba diving at Ellerton Lake is not available in our current data context. Our records detail the "SWAINBY (PROBABLY)" wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, which reaches a maximum depth of 36m. For details on Ellerton Lake, please check other resources.
What kind of underwater features and attractions can divers expect to see at Ellerton Lake?
We do not have specific information on the underwater features and attractions at Ellerton Lake within the provided data. However, the nearby "SWAINBY (PROBABLY)" site is a fascinating steamship wreck, sunk in 1906, offering a unique historical attraction for divers. This wreck, built in 1904, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine.
Is Ellerton Lake considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for novice divers?
The provided data does not specify the difficulty level for diving at Ellerton Lake. For comparison, the "SWAINBY (PROBABLY)" wreck site in the United Kingdom is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Divers planning to visit Ellerton Lake should consult local dive centers for accurate difficulty assessments and required certifications.
What are the typical visibility conditions at Ellerton Lake, and when is the best time to dive for optimal clarity?
Our current data context does not include information on the typical visibility conditions or the best time to dive for optimal clarity at Ellerton Lake. Visibility can vary greatly between dive sites, even those in close proximity. We recommend checking local dive reports or contacting dive operators for up-to-date conditions at Ellerton Lake before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Ellerton Lake?
The specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Ellerton Lake are not detailed in the provided information. Generally, wreck dives like the "SWAINBY (PROBABLY)" site, which is an intermediate dive to 36m, typically require advanced certifications. Always confirm certification requirements with local dive centers before planning your dive.
Are there any currents or specific environmental conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive at Ellerton Lake?
Information regarding currents or specific environmental conditions at Ellerton Lake is not available in our current dataset. For the "SWAINBY (PROBABLY)" wreck, it is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, but general conditions for ocean wreck dives can include currents. Always consult local dive guides or when-to-dive resources for the specific conditions at your chosen dive site.