USS MEREDITH - Cornwall & Devon

The USS Meredith, a destroyer sunk during the Normandy landings, lies at a comfortable 16 metres off the Cornwall coast. You'll find her mostly broken up, but the sheer scale of the wreckage is still impressive – those huge turbine engines and express boilers are particularly striking. It's a proper playground for divers who appreciate history and don’t mind rooting around among the ribs of a vessel. We often see conger eels tucked into crevices, and spider crabs are usually clambering all over the plating. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, so pick your day carefully, ideally after a few calm spells. It’s a good one for extended bottom times and getting a real feel for a wartime wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.453632, -1.005337
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

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 USS MEREDITH

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 USS MEREDITH

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 typical depth range for diving the USS Meredith wreck in Normandy?
The USS Meredith wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, is found at a typical depth of 16 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training and experience. Always ensure you are comfortable with the depth before planning your dive.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the USS Meredith dive site?
Divers exploring the USS Meredith can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a destroyer vessel, measuring 114.6m by 12.5m. This historic wreck, built in 1943 and sunk in 1944, features elements like express boilers and turbine engines, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past. The provided data does not specify particular marine life, but the wreck itself is a significant feature.
How challenging is the USS Meredith wreck dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The USS Meredith wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some prior experience. Due to its classification as a dangerous wreck, it is not recommended for all experience levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills and training for wreck diving before attempting this site.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the USS Meredith wreck in Normandy for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the USS Meredith wreck in Cornwall & Devon does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on when to dive in the United Kingdom, please refer to our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information on seasonal conditions.
What diving certifications are required to explore the USS Meredith wreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated in the provided data, the USS Meredith wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck diving training, to safely explore this site. Always ensure you are adequately trained and equipped for the conditions of an intermediate-level wreck dive.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility conditions like at the USS Meredith dive site?
The provided data for the USS Meredith dive site does not include specific information regarding typical underwater currents or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this site in Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before their dive. Always be prepared for varying conditions when diving wrecks.