Wreck of HMT Arfon - Cornwall & Devon

The Wreck of HMT Arfon holds a special place for us, a tangible piece of history sitting upright at 35 metres. When the visibility is good, which is often surprisingly decent in this part of Cornwall, the trawler comes into view slowly, almost eerily, as you descend. We love drifting along the deck, picking out the details – the impressive 6-pounder gun still mounted on the bow, a solemn reminder of its wartime role. It’s a great dive for divers comfortable with depth, allowing plenty of time to explore the bridge area and the surprisingly intact stern section. The Arfon has become a fantastic artificial reef. We’ve seen conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, their thick bodies camouflaged against the rust. Lobsters tuck themselves into crevices, and the sheer number of jewel anemones covering almost every surface is incredible, painting the metalwork in a thousand tiny, vibrant colours. Our favourite spot is the stern, where you can often find large schools of pollack circling the structure, their silver scales flashing in the ambient light. It’s a powerful dive, especially knowing its story, and a real standout for UK wreck diving.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.543003, -2.059312
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Purbeck Coast

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 HMT Arfon

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 HMT Arfon

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 maximum depth of the HMT Arfon wreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the HMT Arfon wreck dive site is 35 meters. This makes it an intermediate-level dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What specific features and marine life can divers expect to see on the HMT Arfon wreck?
Divers exploring the HMT Arfon wreck can expect to see the remains of a 227-ton steel trawler. This vessel, requisitioned by the Royal Navy, was fitted with a 6 pounder gun and mine-sweeping apparatus, offering unique historical features to explore. While specific marine life is not detailed, historical wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the HMT Arfon wreck dive, and what level of diving certification is recommended?
The HMT Arfon wreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty. Given its depth of 35 meters and wreck type, divers should possess advanced open water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures divers are adequately prepared for the conditions and complexities of wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or tidal conditions to dive the HMT Arfon for optimal visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or tidal conditions for optimal visibility at the HMT Arfon dive site. For general guidance on planning dives in the Cornwall & Devon region, we recommend consulting local dive operators or referring to our When to Dive section for broader insights into diving conditions.
Are there any special permits or certifications required to dive the protected HMT Arfon wreck site?
The HMT Arfon is designated as a protected wreck. While the provided data does not explicitly state specific permit requirements, diving protected sites often necessitates adherence to particular regulations or obtaining special permissions to ensure preservation. Divers should always verify current requirements with local authorities or dive centers before planning a dive to a protected wreck.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the HMT Arfon dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility at the HMT Arfon dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on site conditions.