WESTERGATE - Cornwall & Devon

Westergate feels like stepping back in time. This isn’t a pretty, intact wreck. It’s a merchant cruiser from 1918, torpedoed in WWI, and it lies broken across the seabed at 51 metres, a stark reminder of its violent end. The sheer scale is what gets you. Hull plates are ripped open, cargo holds splayed out, and the whole site feels incredibly exposed to the deep. We’ve dived Westergate several times, and each time we find something new. The bow section is our favourite, with its dramatic twists of metal. You can often see conger eels tucked into crevices there, their thick bodies surprisingly camouflaged against the rust. Visibility can be hit or miss in these waters, but on a good day, with a strong lamp, the wreck looms out of the green, and you get a real sense of its history. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, divers comfortable with depth and sometimes challenging conditions. It’s not about vibrant corals; it’s about the raw, haunting beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.283928, -3.084576
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
51m

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 WESTERGATE

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 WESTERGATE

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 at the WESTERGATE dive site?
The WESTERGATE dive site, located off Cornwall & Devon, is a deep wreck dive. Divers can expect to explore this fascinating site at a depth of 51 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at WESTERGATE?
At the WESTERGATE dive site, divers will primarily explore the impressive remains of a 79.2m x 11m merchant cruiser, sunk in 1918. As a wreck, it naturally provides habitat for various marine life, though specific species are not detailed in our current data. You can learn more about common marine life in the region via our wildlife database.
How challenging is the WESTERGATE dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The WESTERGATE dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 51 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers and requires appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at WESTERGATE for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the WESTERGATE dive site does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions. We recommend checking local dive reports and forecasts closer to your planned dive date for the most current information. For general guidance on diving in the region, visit our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended to dive at WESTERGATE?
Given the WESTERGATE dive site's intermediate difficulty and depth of 51 meters, advanced diving certifications such as deep diver or wreck diver specialties are highly recommended. Divers should ensure they are adequately trained and equipped for such challenging conditions. You can find more information on necessary equipment and training on DivePlnr.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the WESTERGATE dive site?
Our available data for the WESTERGATE dive site does not provide specific details on typical currents or water conditions. As with any deep wreck dive, conditions can vary, so it is always advisable to consult local dive operators for up-to-date information before planning your dive.