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