WESTERGATE (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Westergate* is one of those wrecks that just screams "history" the moment you descend onto it. We love the way the iron plates, built back in 1881, have become this incredible canvas for life at 56 metres. You’ll find her resting on the seabed, largely intact, with her two boilers and the compound expansion engine still very much evident, dominating the midship section. Exploring the *Westergate* feels like stepping back into a different era of shipping. The scale of her 79-metre length is impressive in the gloom, and you can spend a good chunk of your bottom time just appreciating the sheer engineering of it all. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration here to really get into some of the more enclosed areas safely, though penetration isn't extensive. Look for the massive conger eels that have made homes in the deeper recesses and the clouds of jewel anemones painting the darker corners. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the atmosphere of a deep, historical wreck over vibrant coral. Expect cold water, naturally, but the visibility can be surprisingly good on a calm day, giving the wreck an eerie, almost cathedral-like feel.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.302917, -3.121133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

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 (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 WESTERGATE (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