WAR KNIGHT - Cornwall & Devon

The War Knight is a monster of a wreck, a genuine standout for UK diving, especially if you catch it on a calm day. Built in 1917, she was a substantial steamship at 125 metres long before a mine sent her down in 1918. We love how much of her remains, spread across the seabed in a truly impressive debris field. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at 10 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to explore the massive plates and twisted metal. You’ll feel the sheer scale of the ship as you fin over the collapsed structure, imagining the force that ripped her apart. Our favourite sections are the three huge boilers, often swarming with schools of bib and pollack, so thick they almost obscure the metal. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for velvet swimming crabs, their red eyes staring back at you. We've even spotted a conger eel or two tucked away in the bigger holes. This site suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't afraid of a bit of an archaeological puzzle. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the UK, but on a good day, the light filtering through the kelp-draped steel is just something else. It’s a proper delve into maritime history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.665950, -1.518733
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Colwell Bay

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 KNIGHT

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 KNIGHT

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 typical depth range for diving the SS War Knight shipwreck?
The SS War Knight shipwreck is located at a typical depth of 10 meters, offering a relatively shallow dive experience. This makes the War Knight an interesting site for divers exploring the historical wrecks of Cornwall & Devon.
What marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to encounter on the SS War Knight wreck?
Divers exploring the SS War Knight wreck can expect to encounter significant historical artifacts from its past as a steam ship vessel, built in 1917. Key features include its three boilers, steam turbine engine, and single shaft, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century maritime engineering. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current records for this site, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting local marine species over time.
What is the difficulty level of diving the SS War Knight, and is it suitable for less experienced wreck divers?
The SS War Knight is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its designation as a "Dangerous wreck," it is best suited for divers who possess some prior experience with wreck diving. Less experienced wreck divers should consider additional training or diving with an experienced guide to safely explore this historical site.
When is the best time of year to dive the SS War Knight for the clearest water and calmest conditions?
Our current data for the SS War Knight does not specify the best time of year for optimal water clarity and calmest conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons and conditions in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting our comprehensive When to Dive resource.
What specific scuba diving certifications are needed to dive the SS War Knight shipwreck?
While no specific scuba diving certifications are explicitly listed as mandatory for the SS War Knight, its intermediate difficulty level implies that an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended. Additionally, a Wreck Diver specialty course would provide valuable skills and knowledge for safely exploring this historical steam ship vessel.
How do currents and visibility typically affect dives on the SS War Knight wreck?
Our current data for the SS War Knight does not provide specific details regarding typical currents or visibility conditions. As with any wreck dive, it is crucial for divers to consult local dive operators and check real-time conditions in Cornwall & Devon immediately prior to their planned dive.