The SS James Eagan Layne is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest and most accessible wreck dives. Torpedoed by a German U-boat in March 1945 while carrying US Army engineering equipment, she was intentionally run aground in Whitsand Bay near Plymouth Sound.
Why Dive the James Eagan Layne?
Sitting upright on a sandy bottom at 24 metres (with her shallowest superstructure rising to 12 metres), she is ideal for both Open Water divers making their first UK sea dive and experienced photographers.
Key Highlights
- Open Cargo Holds: Her open holds allow safe, easy penetration where beams of sunlight filter down through lush plumose anemones.
- Rich Marine Life: The steel hull acts as an artificial reef home to massive schools of bib, pouting, cuckoo wrasse, conger eels, and spider crabs.
- Railway Wheels & Cargo: Parts of her original cargo, including railway rolling stock wheels, remain scattered across the sandy sea floor.
Dive Plan & Conditions
- Best Tide: Can be dived at any state of tide, though slack water offers optimal visibility (8–15m).
- Surface Marker: Always deploy a DSMB due to boat traffic around Plymouth Sound.
Marine Life to Spot at SS James Eagan Layne (WWII Liberty Ship)
- Conger Eels
- Bib
- Jewel Anemones