TYCHO - Cornwall & Devon

The Tycho, a substantial steamship sunk by a torpedo in 1917, now rests at 45 metres off the Cornish coast. Dropping down, you’ll find her largely intact, though time and currents have certainly left their mark. The bow and stern sections offer the most to explore, with large cargo holds and some superstructure still recognisable. Ling and conger eels are common residents, often peeking from behind twisted metal, and the wreck itself is well-covered in anemones and dead man's fingers. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, comfortable with deeper profiles and the often brisk UK conditions.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.622826, -0.143213
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Brighton to Newhaven Cliffs

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 TYCHO

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 TYCHO

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 the TYCHO wreck near Brighton?
The TYCHO wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, has a typical depth of 45 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to encounter at the TYCHO dive site?
Divers exploring the TYCHO wreck can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 102.1m x 14.3m. Key features include its triple expansion engine and single shaft, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the TYCHO wreck dive, considering the conditions in the English Channel?
The TYCHO wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Furthermore, it is designated as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require careful planning and experienced diving techniques.
What are the best times of year and tidal conditions to dive the TYCHO wreck for an optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving the TYCHO wreck. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can consult our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive the TYCHO wreck?
Given the TYCHO wreck's depth of 45 meters and intermediate difficulty rating, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver are typically recommended. Additionally, due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," specialized training like a Wreck Diver certification would be highly beneficial for safe exploration.
What are the usual current strengths and visibility levels experienced at the TYCHO dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current strengths or visibility levels experienced at the TYCHO dive site. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.