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HMS Abelard

Wrecked on Christmas eve 1916, this old steam trawler had been converted into yet another mine sweeper. Yet again it fell foul of a mine and went down. At first sight all you can see is the boiler that stands about 3m high off the sea bed. If you search carefully you'll start to make out the rest of her, the hull leads off to the south with scattered objects around the whole site. If not diving with us be careful as an anchor or shot is easily lost here. The main hazard to diving here is the wind, be careful it doesn't blow your boat onto the breakwater, boats and granite blocks don't mix. 

This shallow varied site is great to build confidence in diving. One of Brian's personal favourites we sometimes dive this site on our Open Water and Advanced Open Water Courses. Length: 30m

Max Depth: 14m

Depth to deck:

Viz: generally 5-6m, best 16m bad weather can bring it right down

Orientation: Boiler is 3m diameter, some buried hull and plates to the south.

Buoy Lines

None, use a shot for descent along with a Delayed SMB if you can't find your way back.


Areas of interest

The boiler itself is home to a few wrasse, and makes an interesting introduction to wreck diving.

Once you've swam around the boat (takes 15mins) head west for good topography, rock, kelp, sand etc. or head  north on to the breakwater.


Wreck Penetrations
You can swim into the boiler about 1m, then back out again.

Snagging Hazards
As with all wrecks there are things to cut hands and get gear caught on. Gloves are advised and caution should be used.


No Take Zone

A voluntary no take zone


Life you could see

We've spotted boring sponges, lobsters, large spider crabs, cuttlefish, dogfish, various wrasse and pollack.

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Aquanauts Dive Centre, 88 Vauxhall St, Plymouth, PL4 0EY, United Kingdom.
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