VYC 18 - Cornwall & Devon

The VYC 18 is a real favourite of ours, a lighter vessel that went down in 1956 and has settled beautifully on the seabed at 38 metres. What you get here is classic wreck diving: penetration into the cargo holds is pretty straightforward, assuming you've got the training and the right gear. We love picking through the smaller nooks and crannies, where conger eels have set up shop, their heads poking out from every dark corner. It’s got a decent amount of light, even at depth, so the visibility holds up well on a good day. The exterior is just coated in plumose anemones, creating these incredible, fluffy white walls. Dive it on a slack tide, and you’ll find the current manageable, making for a relaxed exploration of its decks and superstructure. This one’s perfect for those comfortable with deeper dives and who enjoy the story a wreck tells.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.265587, -4.000318
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone

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 VYC 18

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 VYC 18

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