UC 49 (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The UC 49 (Probably) is exactly what it sounds like – a dive into history with a dash of mystery, and for us, that’s half the fun. Lying at 49 metres, this U-boat offers a genuine deep wreck experience off the Devon coast. We love the narrative here: sunk by depth charges in 1918, on a mission to lay mines. You can almost feel the chill of that August night. What you'll find is a surprisingly intact U-boat, its deck gun still visible and conning tower recognisable. The bow section is particularly dramatic, often shrouded in the green gloom of the English Channel, and feels incredibly atmospheric. Inside, if you're qualified and careful, the hatches offer glimpses into the past. Look for the resident conger eels, they’ve made a home in the torpedo tubes, and the jewel anemones that add unexpected pops of colour to the dark metal. This isn’t a colourful reef dive; it’s a sombre, thrilling exploration best suited for experienced technical divers comfortable with overhead environments and limited visibility. We’d suggest a slack water dive to truly appreciate the scale without battling the currents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.329815, -3.447083
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham Point

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 UC 49 (PROBABLY)

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 UC 49 (PROBABLY)

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