USS RICH - Cornwall & Devon

The USS Rich isn't a deep dive, sitting in just 5m, but don't let that fool you. This is a genuinely compelling wreck. She was a destroyer, sunk on D-Day by a mine, and that history absolutely permeates the site. We love how accessible she is; it’s a brilliant dive for newer wreck enthusiasts, or just a relaxing second dive after something deeper. What you'll find here is a reasonably intact hull, scattered with debris that tells the story of her violent end. You can poke around the superstructure, see where the deck plating has peeled back like a tin can, and imagine the chaos of that day. Despite the shallow depth, visibility can vary quite a bit, so pick a calm day if you can. Our favourite detail? The sheer density of schooling pollack that often hang around the bigger sections, sometimes so thick you have to fin through them. You’ll spot crabs tucked into every crevice, and the odd dogfish cruising the periphery. She’s a proper piece of history, colonised by the sea, and a dive we always enjoy.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.528168, -1.202722
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 RICH

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 RICH

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