BRITISH STEEL - Canary Islands

The British Steel wreck isn't about depth; it's about the sheer volume of history and life crammed into seven metres. We’re talking about a beast of a yacht, beached back in '76, that’s now thoroughly entwined with the Fuerteventura coastline. It's a surprisingly accessible adventure, perfect for an extended rummage. You'll spend your dive weaving through crumpled steel plates and the skeletal remains of what was once a graceful vessel. Schools of damselfish shimmer in the shafts of light penetrating the shallows, darting amongst the rusted girders. Look closely, and you’ll spot moray eels peering from crevices, their heads swaying gently, and an octopus or two tucked into shadowy corners. We love how the shallow depth gives you ample bottom time to really explore the nooks and crannies, letting you appreciate the scale of this broken giant. Our favourite part? Finding little pockets of air trapped in the superstructure, making for a strangely intimate, echoey moment. The British Steel is fantastic for photographers or anyone who appreciates a good story with their dive, especially on a calm day when the visibility really opens up.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.750000, -14.016666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BRITISH STEEL

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
grounding

This is no ordinary yacht wreck; this is the final resting place of the legendary *British Steel*. This 59-foot steel ketch was skippered by Chay Blyth into the history books in 1971 when he became the first person to sail single-handed, non-stop westwards around the world-against the prevailing winds and currents. His 'wrong way' circumnavigation was a monumental feat of endurance and seamanship that captured the world's imagination.

Five years after its historic voyage, the celebrated yacht's luck ran out. On Christmas Eve 1976, while sailing between the Canary Islands, the *British Steel* ran aground and was wrecked near the El Toston lighthouse on Fuerteventura. Lying in just 7 metres of water, the remains are now scattered and well broken up by the Atlantic swell. However, for novice divers and snorkelers, it offers a unique opportunity to see the remnants of a truly iconic vessel, now encrusted with marine life and integrated into the shallow reef.

Marine Protected Area: Espacio marino de La Bocayna

Best Time to Dive in Canary Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Canary Islands occur in September, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C
  • February: 19.5°C
  • March: 19.3°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 20.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 22.6°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 23.7°C
  • October: 23.5°C
  • November: 22.4°C
  • December: 21.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Canary Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to BRITISH STEEL

Marine Life in Canary Islands

Home to 80 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 2 octopus & squid, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 worms.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BRITISH STEEL

Based on average water temperature of 21.5°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving British steel wrecks or artificial reefs?
The British Steel wreck is found at a depth of 7 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers. You can explore this fascinating dive site in the Canary Islands.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on British steel dive sites?
The British Steel is a yacht vessel that ran aground in 1976, and divers can expect to explore its hull and superstructure. As a wreck, it offers interesting features for exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract various species over time.
How challenging are British steel dive sites, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The British Steel dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic open water certification. It's an excellent site for those looking to advance their wreck diving skills in the waters of Spain.
When is the best time of year and tidal condition to dive British steel sites for optimal visibility and safety?
The provided data for the British Steel wreck does not specify the best time of year or tidal conditions for optimal visibility and safety. For general advice on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions before planning your dive.
What diving certifications are typically required to explore British steel dive sites?
Given the British Steel dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers typically need more than just an Open Water certification. An Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty in wreck diving would be highly recommended. Always verify specific requirements with local dive operators in the Canary Islands.
What are the common current and visibility conditions encountered when diving British steel wrecks in UK waters?
The British Steel wreck is located in the Canary Islands, Spain, not UK waters. The provided data does not include specific information on common current or visibility conditions for this particular site. Divers should always consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.