wreck

Log This Dive

USS Illinois

The USS Illinois isn't just a hunk of metal; it’s a portal to maritime history, sitting off the coast of Cornwall. We love how the wreck, originally a French battleship then seized by the US, tells a story of shifting naval power, now gently succumbing to the currents and the sea life. You descend into the often green, moody waters and the wreck slowly materialises, its size impressive. What makes it special? For us, it’s the sense of scale and the way the superstructure has collapsed, creating swim-throughs that are just begging to be explored. Inside, we’ve found conger eels coiled in the shadows, their eyes tracking your light, and a surprising number of wrasse darting between twisted girders. Visibility can vary wildly here; we’d suggest aiming for slack tide on a neap to get the best views and avoid battling the surge. It’s a site for those who appreciate wrecks with a bit of mystery and enjoy a dive where you can truly feel the weight of history around you.