TOWNELEY - Cornwall & Devon

The SS Towneley, down at 47 metres, is a serious dive for those who appreciate a big, intact wreck. She’s a beast of a steamship, 93 metres long, lying mostly upright. You can spend an entire dive exploring her structure, from the massive triple-expansion engines, which are still impressive, to the cavernous holds. We love the feeling of swimming along her decks, imagining her final moments after that torpedo hit in 1918. This isn't a dive for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, but for advanced divers, it’s incredibly rewarding. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, but when it's good, you’ll see conger eels peering from every nook and cranny, massive pollack patrolling overhead, and often a few curious seals making a fly-by. Our favourite part is navigating the stern, where the prop shaft is still visible, encrusted with dead man's fingers and anemones. It’s a proper expedition, and you’ll surface feeling like you’ve truly explored a piece of history. Just be sure to pick a calm day; the run out can be lumpy.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.863250, -4.823650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

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 TOWNELEY

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 TOWNELEY

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