WAR BARON (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The War Baron (probably) is one of our favourite deep wrecks in the UK. At 46 metres, it’s a serious dive, definitely for technical divers or those with solid experience in lower visibility and colder water. You drop onto a massive steamship, 125 metres long, a real beast from 1917, sunk by a mine in 1918. We love exploring the huge triple expansion engines and boilers, still largely intact and imposing. The scale of the ship means you’ll need multiple dives to properly take it all in. Visibility can swing wildly here, from a murky few metres to a surprising 15, so pick your day carefully, ideally on a neap tide for less current. Even on darker days, the wreck comes alive with life. We’ve seen conger eels that look like tree trunks lurking in the holds, massive edible crabs scuttling over the plating, and a constant cloud of pout and bib around the superstructure. It’s a proper historical dive, a somber reminder of wartime, but now a thriving artificial reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.389750, -5.394733
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Marine Protected Area: St Agnes

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 WAR BARON (PROBABLY)

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 WAR BARON (PROBABLY)

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 War Baron (Probably) dive site, and what is the depth to its upper structures?
The maximum depth of the War Baron (Probably) dive site is 46m. The provided data does not specify a separate depth for its upper structures, suggesting the wreck lies entirely at this depth.
What marine life and artificial reef structures can divers expect to see at the War Baron (Probably) site?
Divers exploring the War Baron (Probably) site can expect to encounter the impressive artificial reef structures of a 125m x 16.5m steam ship vessel. This wreck, sunk in 1918, features three boilers, a steam turbine, and a single shaft, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past. While the data doesn't specify particular marine life, wrecks typically attract diverse ecosystems.
What is the difficulty level of the War Baron (Probably) dive, and is it recommended for experienced divers?
The War Baron (Probably) dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic open water certification. Divers should be comfortable with deeper dives and potential wreck penetration, although the data classifies it as a non-dangerous wreck.
What are the best times of year or conditions for diving the War Baron (Probably) site?
The provided data for the War Baron (Probably) dive site does not specify the best times of year or particular conditions for diving. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the War Baron (Probably) artificial reef?
Given the War Baron (Probably) dive site's maximum depth of 46m and intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended as a minimum. For safe and comfortable exploration of this deep wreck, certifications such as Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialties would be particularly beneficial.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced at the War Baron (Probably) dive site?
The provided data for the War Baron (Probably) dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these factors.