Also known as: Scylla, HMS Scylla (F71)
When HMS Scylla was scuttled in Whitsand Bay on 27 March 2004, she became Europe's first purpose-built artificial diving reef — and an instant Plymouth landmark. The last Royal Navy frigate built at Devonport Dockyard, she had served with distinction from 1970 until her 1993 decommissioning as the final Leander-class vessel on active duty. Cleaned of contaminants and prepared for her new role, she now sits upright on sand between 9 and 26 metres, her 113-metre hull colonised by a rapidly developing ecosystem of anemones, sponges and fish that marine biologists continue to study. Penetration has been off-limits since 2014 as the structure deteriorates, but the exterior swim-around remains a compelling dive: the bridge, gun mountings and flight deck are all recognisable. Paired with the James Eagan Layne just 540 metres away, she anchors one of southern England's most popular dive days.
Leander-class frigate (Batch 3A), the last Royal Navy frigate built at Devonport Dockyard. Paid off in 1993 as the final ship of her class on active service. Intentionally sunk on 27 March 2004 by the National Marine Aquarium as Europe's first purpose-made artificial diving reef.
HMS Scylla is a warship wreck located off Devon, United Kingdom at a depth of 26 metres. The vessel was lost by scuttling in 2004. The wreck is diveable.
HMS Scylla lies at 9 to 26 metres depth, Whitsand Bay, South Cornwall, 540m west of James Eagan Layne.
HMS Scylla was deliberately scuttled on 27 March 2004, off Devon, United Kingdom. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the HMS Scylla is rated beginner and is suitable for newly certified Open Water divers. Minimum certification: PADI Open Water / BSAC Ocean Diver. Recommended: PADI Open Water / BSAC Ocean Diver.
The best months to dive HMS Scylla are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 18°C in summer.
HMS Scylla is accessed by boat from Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting |
| Apr | 10.5°C | 7.0m | good | Moderate — spider crabs arriving |
| May | 12.0°C | 9.0m | good | Good — pollack, wrasse, spider crabs, cuttlefish |
| Jun | 14.0°C | 11.0m | good | Good — pollack, wrasse, spider crabs, cuttlefish |
| Jul | 16.0°C | 13.0m | good | Peak — large shoals, conger eels, spider crab aggregations, cuttlefish |
| Aug | 18.0°C | 15.0m | good | Peak — large shoals, conger eels, spider crab aggregations, cuttlefish |
| Sep | 17.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — pollack, wrasse, spider crabs, cuttlefish |
| Oct | 14.0°C | 8.0m | good | Good — pollack, wrasse, conger eels |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
3 evidence records from 3 sources.
Top/deck 9-12m, seabed 23-26m. Upright on sandy seabed. 540m west of James Eagan Layne.
Leander-class frigate. Scuttled 27 March 2004 as Europe's first artificial diving reef by National Marine Aquarium. Last RN frigate built at Devonport.
Penetration strictly forbidden since 2014 due to deterioration. Exterior diving only.
Whitsand Bay, South Cornwall, 540m west of James Eagan Layne