The Langton Grange

A really interesting wreck, the Langton Grange sank on August 5th 1909 in thick fog striking bell rock, a submerged rock, which rises from the sea bed at 50m and lies 2m underwater at low water springs.

To dive this wreck it’s best to do so at either low or high water neaps (spring tides do not have a slack water window long enough to allow for a decent dive before tides race by anything up to 6kts). Slack times being 2 hours after either high or low. The rock itself is situated on the Northern tip of the North Bishops (Slightly North East –see below), approximately 6 Km due West of Whitesands Bay, St. David’s Pembrokeshire. GPS co-ordinates are approximately 51o 54’ 14’’N & 5o 22’ 36’’W. At low water you will not need GPS! The dark shadow of Kelp fronds on top of the rock become very visible.

Diving the wreck: Divers need to be kitted up ready to dive the moment slack occurs, set a compass bearing of 60o, as soon as you hit the rock take off and down in that direction. Wreckage becomes visible at about 12m, follow this down to the boilers at 20m, from here it’s up to you; wreckage can be found down to a sandy sea bed at about 45m. Visibility is usually good, but I would advise taking a good torch. A DSMB would be advisable. Following the rock back up to the surface is a best option, ideal for decompression at 6m, but if you’re there too long, holding on to the rock becomes impossible, hence DSMB