U 153 (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The U 153 is a bit of a mystery, lying at 57 metres, scuttled in 1921. We love dives like this, where the history feels palpable. Dropping down, the visibility in this part of the Channel can be a lottery, but when it’s good, the sheer scale of the U-boat emerges from the gloom. At 64.9 metres long, she’s an imposing sight. You’re really here for the wreck itself. She sits relatively intact, a shadowy leviathan, and you can still make out the conning tower and the torpedo tubes if you know where to look. It’s a deep penetration dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. The light fades quickly at this depth, so torches are essential to pick out the details and the marine life. Conger eels have made the internal structure their home, peering out from open hatches, and the hull is covered in those vibrant jewel anemones that thrive in the deeper, darker water. It’s a serious dive, demanding good gas planning and solid deep diving skills, but the rewards are a proper piece of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.241470, -1.200805
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
57m

Marine Protected Area: Wight-Barfleur Reef

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 153 (POSSIBLY)

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 153 (POSSIBLY)

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