James Egan Layne

The James Eagan Layne is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Plymouth area, a 130-meter American Liberty ship torpedoed by a German submarine in March 1945 near the end of World War II. The wreck lies in Whitsand Bay in relatively shallow water, with the bow section rising to just 5 meters from the surface, making parts accessible to snorkelers while deeper sections reach around 20 meters. The wreck is heavily colonized by soft corals, anemones, and kelp, creating a vibrant artificial reef. Conger eels, wrasse, pollock, and cuttlefish are abundant residents. The site's accessibility, historical significance, and rich marine life make it a favorite with Devon and Cornwall divers and an excellent introduction to wreck diving in British waters.