James Eagan Layne
Conditions & tides
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Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
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About this site
The James Eagan Layne was a United States Liberty ship torpedoed by a German U-boat in March 1945 while carrying cargo, and she was subsequently towed toward Plymouth before sinking in Whitsand Bay. The wreck lies broken in two sections on a sandy seabed, reaching a maximum depth of around 24 metres, and is now rated an advanced dive. She remains intact enough in places to recognise her holds and structure, well colonised by plumose anemones and kelp, and divers have also reported wrasse around the hull. Her proximity to Plymouth has made her one of the more frequently dived wrecks on the south Devon coast for decades.
AI overviewMarine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
Spiny StarfishMarthasterias glacialisReported here · unconfirmed
Dead Man's FingersAlcyonium digitatumReported here · unconfirmed
Common Sea StarAsterias rubensReported here · unconfirmed
WrasseWrasseReported here · unconfirmed
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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