Wreck of HMHS Salta - Cornwall & Devon

The HMHS Salta, torpedoed in 1917, is one of those wrecks that just resonates. Lying off the south coast of England, she’s broken into three main sections, but there’s still plenty to explore. We love picking our way through the scattered debris field, finding the tell-tale signs of a large hospital ship: the ribs of her hull, massive boilers, and twisted plates that have become home to an impressive collection of sea life. You’ll often find dogfish tucked into crevices and plump conger eels peering out from gaps in the machinery. Big schools of bib and pollack shimmer above the main structure, and the occasional curious seal might pay a visit. The Salta really comes alive when there’s a bit of ambient light filtering through the green water. While the currents can be strong, diving this site on a slack tide means you can really take your time, appreciating the history and the way nature has reclaimed this piece of the past. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow creep of marine growth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.535557, -0.038333
Type
wreck

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 Wreck of HMHS Salta

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 Wreck of HMHS Salta

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