U 480 - Cornwall & Devon

Diving the U 480 off the Cornwall coast is a serious trip, sitting deep at 55 metres. This Type VIIC U-boat went down in 1945, and she’s remarkably intact for a wreck of her age and depth. We’ve found her superstructure still standing proud, making for some dramatic penetration if you’re properly trained and equipped for it. Expect schools of cod and pollock to swirl around the conning tower, and the hull plating is thick with anemones and dead man's fingers. It's a dive for technical divers, no question, offering a glimpse into wartime history and a thriving artificial reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.368984, -1.737383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 480

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 480

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-480 dive site and what is the maximum depth of the wreck?
The U-480 dive site, a fascinating wreck, has a maximum depth of 55 meters. This depth makes it an intriguing dive for those with appropriate experience.
What specific features and artifacts can divers expect to see on the U-480 wreck?
Divers exploring the U-480 wreck will encounter a historic submarine vessel, specifically a Type VIIC boat. This impressive wreck, built by Deutsche Werke Kiel AG, measures 67.1m in length and 6.1m in width, offering a substantial structure to explore. It was commissioned on October 6, 1943, and served with the 11 U-Flotilla until its loss.
What is the difficulty level of diving the U-480, and what kind of experience is recommended?
Diving the U-480 is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 55m, divers should possess a suitable level of experience and training for deep wreck diving.
When is the best time to dive the U-480 wreck to experience optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time to dive the U-480 wreck for optimal conditions, such as specific seasons or months, is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive planning, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What diving certifications are required to dive the U-480?
The specific diving certifications required to dive the U-480 are not detailed in the provided information. Given its depth of 55m and intermediate difficulty, divers should ensure they hold certifications appropriate for deep and wreck diving.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the U-480 dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the U-480 dive site are not specified in the available data. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information before planning their dive.