W H DWYER - Cornwall & Devon

The W H Dwyer, lying at a respectable 52 meters, is a proper technical dive, and one we genuinely love for its intact structure. Drop down onto her and you’ll find the steamship sitting upright on the seabed, her bow pointing north. We usually start our exploration around the stern, where the triple expansion engine and two boilers are still very much in evidence. The swim-throughs here are exhilarating, but only for those with the right training and comfort level. What really makes the Dwyer stand out for us isn't just her size, but the way marine life has completely taken over. Enormous conger eels peer out from every dark nook, and we’ve seen some truly massive pollack circling the superstructure. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble in the English Channel, but when it's good, seeing the full length of her loom out of the green is spectacular. Our tip? Aim for slack water, always, and be prepared for a decent deco obligation. This isn't a site for the uninitiated, but for seasoned wreck divers, she’s a gem.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.352270, -3.101500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Marine Protected Area: East of Start 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 W H DWYER

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 W H DWYER

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 of the W.H. Dwyer dive site and the depth to the top of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the W.H. Dwyer dive site is 52m. While the exact depth to the top of the wreck is not specified, divers should be prepared for a dive to this depth. This steam ship vessel, built in 1913, offers an intriguing exploration for those qualified.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the W.H. Dwyer wreck?
Divers exploring the W.H. Dwyer wreck can expect to encounter significant features of this steam ship vessel. Key components include its two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 122 NHP, and a single shaft, all built by MacColl & Pollock Ltd. While specific marine life is not detailed in the site information, wrecks often attract various species over time.
How challenging is the W.H. Dwyer wreck dive, and what makes it a technical deep dive?
The W.H. Dwyer wreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty. Its maximum depth of 52m places it firmly within the realm of deep diving, requiring appropriate training and experience. While not explicitly labeled "technical" in the provided data, dives to this depth often necessitate advanced planning and gas management strategies.
What are the optimal conditions and best time of year to dive the W.H. Dwyer wreck?
The provided data for the W.H. Dwyer wreck does not specify optimal diving conditions or the best time of year to visit. However, for any dive in the Cornwall & Devon region, it's always advisable to check local weather and sea conditions before planning your trip. Consulting local dive operators can also provide valuable insights into current visibility and currents.
What diving certifications are required to dive the W.H. Dwyer wreck?
Given the W.H. Dwyer wreck's maximum depth of 52m and intermediate difficulty, divers should possess certifications suitable for deep diving. This typically includes advanced open water or deep diver specialty certifications, ensuring proficiency in managing the challenges of such depths. Always ensure your training and experience align with the demands of this significant wreck.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the W.H. Dwyer dive site?
The provided information for the W.H. Dwyer dive site does not detail typical current conditions or visibility. As with any wreck dive in the Cornwall & Devon area, these factors can vary greatly depending on weather and tides. It is always recommended to consult local dive centers or recent dive reports for the most up-to-date information before planning your dive.