U 1195 - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the U 1195 is a real journey back in time, and for us, it's one of Cornwall's most compelling wreck dives. Lying in 26 metres, this U-boat isn't just a lump of metal on the seabed. She’s surprisingly intact for her age, a Type VIIC submarine sunk by HMS Watchman in 1945. You can trace her full 67-metre length, with the conning tower still identifiable and much of the hull structure holding firm. What we really love about this site is the atmosphere. Dropping down, the U-boat emerges from the gloom, often with some ambient light filtering through. You can fin along the deck, peeking into torpedo tubes that are now home to crabs and small lobsters. The interior isn’t really penetrable for safety reasons, but there’s plenty to explore externally. Conger eels are a common sight, often peering out from crevices, and the wreck itself is well-encrusted with anemones and sponges, splashes of colour against the steel. We'd suggest diving this one on a slack tide for the best experience; currents can whip through here, making it a challenging but rewarding dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.556150, -0.938133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 U 1195

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 U 1195

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 U-1195 submarine wreck dive site?
The U-1195 submarine wreck is located at a depth of 26 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training for intermediate wreck dives.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the U-1195 wreck?
Divers exploring the U-1195 wreck can expect to see a well-preserved German Mark VIIC submarine, measuring 67.1 meters long and 6.1 meters wide. This vessel, built in 1944, offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history, having been sunk in 1945 by HMS Watchman.
What is the difficulty level of diving the U-1195 and what are the main challenges?
Diving the U-1195 wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also specifically noted as a Dangerous wreck, which means divers should approach with caution and proper training, being mindful of potential hazards inherent to such sites.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the U-1195 for optimal visibility and currents?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal conditions for diving the U-1195 wreck regarding visibility and currents. For up-to-date information on local conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive operators or check current weather and tidal forecasts before planning your dive.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the U-1195 wreck?
Given that the U-1195 is an intermediate level wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended. Additionally, a Wreck Diver Specialty certification would be highly beneficial to safely navigate and explore this historical site, especially considering its classification as a Dangerous wreck.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the U-1195 dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details on the typical current or visibility conditions at the U-1195 dive site. Divers should always check current local reports and conditions from dive centers in Cornwall & Devon before planning their dive.