ANGELENA BM 271

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Lyme Bay and Torbay

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ANGELENA BM 271 offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 27m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Angelena BM 271, a fishing vessel, sits upright at 27 metres, an inviting dive if you enjoy proper wreck penetration. We love how intact she is, especially the wheelhouse, which feels like the crew just stepped away. Exploring the engine room is a highlight, but be mindful of silt. The wreck itself is a magnet for life. We’ve seen conger eels poking out from crevices, their heads thick as your arm, and lobsters clambering over growth. Look closely for nudibranchs, often clinging to the rust. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts keen on a bit of a challenge and the thrill of discovery. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide; the currents here can really rip.

Typical ANGELENA BM 271 Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Depth of 27m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:2917:3211h 2m daylightGolden hour 16:47

ANGELENA BM 271 Wreck History

Year Sunk

1993

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

fire

The Angelena BM 271 was a 23-meter beam trawler registered in the historic fishing port of Brixham, Devon. She was a workhorse of the English Channel fishing fleet, spending her days battling the elements to bring in the catch that supplied local communities and markets.

In 1993, the Angelena's working life came to an abrupt end. A severe fire broke out on board, proving too much for the crew to handle. After the crew were safely rescued, the vessel was engulfed by the blaze and eventually sank beneath the waves, coming to rest on the seabed.

Now sitting perfectly upright in 27 meters of water, the Angelena is a premier wreck dive in the region. The wreck is largely intact and offers fantastic exploration opportunities. Divers can swim around the wheelhouse, the deck, and the trawling gear on the stern. Over the years, she has transformed into a magnificent artificial reef, attracting an incredible amount of marine life. It is renowned for the huge shoals of bib and pollack that swarm its superstructure, and is a favourite home for large conger eels, lobsters, and crabs, making every dive a new discovery.