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