UB 86 (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The UB 86, if it is indeed her, feels like stepping back into a submerged chapter of history. Dropping onto the deck at 50 metres, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of this UB III class submarine. We love the way the forward torpedo tubes gape, a silent testament to her purpose, and the twin screws are still surprisingly intact at the stern. It’s a deep dive, no question, so come prepared with your technical kit and a good gas plan. Visibility here can swing, but on a good day, the light filtering down from above paints the metal in hues of green and blue. Look closely; conger eels are often tucked into the torpedo tubes, their heads peeking out with an air of ancient ownership. Dead man’s fingers cling to the hull, softening the sharp edges of the wartime relic, and the occasional dogfish cruises past. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet drama of a historical wreck, where the details of a bygone era are slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. We’d suggest timing your dive for a slack tide to fully appreciate the undisturbed atmosphere.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.411550, -0.204667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Marine Protected Area: Offshore Brighton

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 UB 86 (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 UB 86 (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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the U-869 U-boat wreck dive?
The UB 86 wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, has a maximum depth of 50 meters. This depth classifies it as an intermediate dive, requiring appropriate experience and training.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the U-869?
Divers exploring the UB 86 wreck can expect to see the remains of a 55.5m x 5.6m UB III CLASS submarine vessel, which sank in 1921. Notable features include its diesel engines, twin screws, five 19.7-inch torpedo tubes (four bow, one stern), and a single gun. The wreck is classified as non-dangerous.
How challenging is diving the U-869 wreck, and what makes it a difficult dive?
Diving the UB 86 wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Its maximum depth of 50 meters requires divers to have appropriate training and experience for deep diving conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the U-869 wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the UB 86 wreck for optimal conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal recommendations. For general information on dive planning, visit When to Dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the U-869 U-boat wreck?
Given the UB 86 wreck's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 50 meters, divers would typically need advanced or deep diving certifications. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and training for such depths and conditions.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the U-869 dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details on the typical current or visibility conditions at the UB 86 dive site. Divers are advised to check with local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date information before planning their dive.