wreck

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VESUVIUS

The Vesuvius, a torpedo gunboat from the late 1800s, sits upright on the seabed at 48 metres. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart, it’s proper advanced territory, but for those with the skills, it’s a truly rewarding visit. We love the way she’s largely intact, still showing the lines of her design even after a century underwater. Descending through the typical Cornish green, the wreck slowly materialises, a dark shape against the gloom, often with huge bib and pollack darting in and out of her structure. Our favourite spot has to be the bow, still pointing resolutely forward, cloaked in dead man's fingers and anemones. You can get a sense of her compact size as you fin along the deck, imagining the crew in such tight quarters. The visibility here can be challenging, but on a good day, with a bit of sun filtering through, the colours of the encrusting life really pop. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into any dark crevice; they’re often quite bold here. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide, otherwise the current can really whip over the wreck. It's a deep dive, so careful planning and gas management are key, but for wreck enthusiasts, the Vesuvius offers a compelling glimpse into naval history.