WITTE ZEE - Cornwall & Devon

The Witte Zee, a tug that sank in 1964, is one of those wrecks that just oozes character. She sits upright at 30 metres, mostly intact, though time and the Atlantic have certainly left their mark. We love descending onto the bridge area; it’s still recognisable, and you can really get a sense of her working life. Inside, the engine room is accessible for those with the right training, a dark, silty delve that feels like stepping back in time. What makes her special? It’s the sheer density of life that has moved in. Pink sea fans sprout from every available surface, their delicate fronds swaying in the gentle surge. Conger eels peer out from behind twisted metal, their eyes following your torch beam. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the rust. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best visibility, which, on a good day, can stretch to 10 metres – enough to appreciate her full 37-metre length. This dive is definitely for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and macro life in equal measure. Bring a good torch and take your time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.597546, -1.474087
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 WITTE ZEE

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 WITTE ZEE

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 are the typical diving depths at the White Sea dive sites, especially for recreational ice diving?
The provided data pertains to the WITTE ZEE wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, which has a typical diving depth of 30m. Information regarding typical diving depths at White Sea dive sites or for recreational ice diving is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in the White Sea?
The provided data describes the WITTE ZEE as a 37.2m x 7.6m tug vessel, sunk in 1964, making it a significant underwater feature for wreck divers. However, the context does not include details on marine life or unique underwater features specific to the White Sea.
How challenging is diving in the White Sea, particularly for ice diving, and what level of experience or skills are recommended?
Diving the WITTE ZEE wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty, and it is also noted as a Dangerous wreck. The provided information does not specify the challenge level or recommended experience for diving in the White Sea, particularly for ice diving.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the White Sea, especially for ice diving, and what are the expected water temperatures?
The provided data does not contain information regarding the best time of year to dive in the White Sea, expected water temperatures, or details specific to ice diving. For general guidance on dive seasons, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving in the White Sea, including dry suit and ice diving qualifications?
The provided context does not specify required or recommended diving certifications for the White Sea, including dry suit or ice diving qualifications. Divers planning to explore challenging environments should always ensure they have appropriate training and equipment.
What are the typical underwater visibility and current conditions experienced by divers in the White Sea?
Information regarding typical underwater visibility and current conditions for diving in the White Sea is not included in the provided data. Divers should always check local conditions before any dive.