YESSO - Cornwall & Devon

The Yesso, a steamship lost in 1894 after a collision, rests at 31 metres, making it a good target for divers with some experience in UK waters. At 88 metres long, she's substantial, her triple-expansion engine still visible amidst the collapsed hull sections. We often find large schools of bib and pollack hanging around the deeper parts of the wreck, and a patient eye will pick out conger eels tucked into the darker crevices. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, giving you time to pick through the wreckage and appreciate the history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.292763, -4.071297
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Marine Protected Area: Hele, Samson's and Combe Martin Bays

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 YESSO

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 YESSO

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 YESSO?
The YESSO dive site offers diving opportunities to a maximum depth of 31 meters. This depth makes it an interesting site for divers comfortable with deeper explorations. Always plan your dive within your certification limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can be seen at the YESSO dive site?
The primary underwater feature at the YESSO dive site is the impressive steam ship vessel, sunk on March 28, 1894. This substantial wreck, measuring 88.1m x 10.7m, provides a fascinating structure for exploration. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine life over time.
How challenging is diving at YESSO, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at YESSO is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it unsuitable for beginner divers. The site is specifically classified as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require experience and proper training. Divers should possess the necessary skills to safely navigate such an environment.
What is the best time of year to dive at YESSO for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and marine encounters at YESSO is not available in the current data. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at YESSO?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a maximum depth of 31 meters, divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. Furthermore, as YESSO is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," specialized training such as a Wreck Diver certification is highly recommended for safe exploration of this site.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the YESSO dive site?
Details regarding typical currents and specific water conditions at the YESSO dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on conditions in Cornwall & Devon.