VERITAS - Cornwall & Devon

The Veritas, sitting at 40 metres, is one of those wrecks that just *feels* right. We love the way she’s mostly intact, lying on her port side, giving you a proper sense of her scale as you descend. Built in 1898, this steamship met her end in 1907 after springing a leak on a passage from Gothenburg to Bristol. You can still make out the superstructure, the hull plates, and there’s usually a bit of penetration possible for those with the right training and gear – we’d always suggest a good guide for a first dive here. Exploring the Veritas, you’ll find plenty of nooks and crannies that are now home to a surprising array of life. Expect to see plump conger eels peering out from gaps, their heads like grizzled old men, and schools of bib darting through the broken deck beams. Our favourite part is often the stern, where the prop shaft leads away into the gloom, a stark reminder of her working life. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, no doubt, but the reward is a genuinely atmospheric exploration of a significant piece of maritime history, often with decent visibility for the area. Just remember your decent torch – it gets dark down there.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.011684, -5.081583
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Coverack Cove & Dolor 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 VERITAS

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 VERITAS

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 maximum depth divers can reach at the VERITAS dive site?
The maximum depth divers can reach at the VERITAS dive site is 40 meters. This makes it a significant dive for those exploring the Cornwall & Devon region, offering a deep wreck experience.
What kind of wreck features and marine life can be seen when diving the VERITAS?
When diving the VERITAS, you can explore the impressive features of a 71.9m x 9.8m steam ship vessel. This non-dangerous wreck, built in 1898, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting diverse species; you can learn more about common species in the DivePlnr wildlife database.
How difficult is the VERITAS wreck dive, and what experience level is recommended?
The VERITAS wreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic open water certification and are comfortable with deeper wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the VERITAS for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or day to dive the VERITAS for optimal conditions is not available in the current data. For general guidance on planning your dives, please consult our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are required to explore the VERITAS wreck?
Specific diving certifications required to explore the VERITAS wreck are not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, given its 40-meter depth and classification as a wreck dive, it is generally recommended that divers hold advanced open water and potentially wreck diving specialty certifications.
What are the typical current conditions at the VERITAS dive site, and when is slack water?
Details regarding the typical current conditions at the VERITAS dive site and when slack water occurs are not provided in the current data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.