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Wreck of San Tiburcio

The HMS Blackwood, resting off the Cornwall and Devon coast, is one of our top picks for a proper British wreck dive. This Evarts-class destroyer escort went down in '44, torpedoed by U-764, and what’s left of her offers a fascinating glimpse into wartime history. The wreck itself is broken but still distinct – you can make out the bow, stern, and various sections of her hull. We love tracing the lines of her plating, imagining the chaos of her final moments. Descend onto the Blackwood, and you’ll immediately feel that chill, ancient pull of a true wreck. The visibility here can be variable, as with much of the Channel, but on a good day, the light pierces down, illuminating the incredible life that’s made her home. Expect to see conger eels peering from every dark recess, their thick bodies coiled, alongside lobsters tucked into crevices. The wreck structure also draws in plenty of fish – whiting drift in schools, and you might spot a streaked gurnard kicking up sand nearby. Our favourite moment is often finding the smaller, more delicate life, like the hairy sea-mat coating exposed metalwork, or a sea gooseberry pulsing past. It’s a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history as much as marine life. Not one for beginners, but for those comfortable with deeper, often current-swept dives, the Blackwood delivers a poignant and rewarding experience.