AUSTRALBUSH (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The AUSTRALBUSH sits deep, a true expedition dive for technical teams. This isn’t a quick jaunt; at 56 metres, it demands solid gas planning and comfort with cold, dark water. What we love about this site is the sheer history of it, a freighter torpedoed in 1917, a stark reminder of wartime shipping losses. When you drop onto the AUSTRALBUSH, it’s a sombre scene. The structure is broken but recognisable, with the bow and stern still distinct. Visibility can be hit or miss, but on a good day, the scale of the wreck is impressive, its metal framework draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. We’ve found conger eels tucked into boiler rooms and schools of pout swirling around the upper decks. It’s a dark, atmospheric dive, often with a decent current, so be ready for that. This wreck is for experienced technical divers who appreciate a deep, historical challenge more than a coral garden. Our tip: aim for slack water on a neap tide for the calmest conditions.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.202170, -4.087480
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Wreck History - AUSTRALBUSH (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
steamship
Cause
torpedo

The Australbush was a casualty of the relentless U-boat campaigns of the First World War. On November 13, 1917, while steaming on a vital wartime route from Le Havre, France, to Barry, Wales, the steamship was targeted by a German submarine. A single torpedo strike sealed its fate, and the vessel sank into the deep waters of the English Channel, joining the countless other merchant ships lost during the conflict.

Today, the wreck of the Australbush rests at a depth of 56 meters off the coast of Cornwall and Devon. This depth places it firmly in the realm of technical diving, accessible only to experienced and suitably qualified divers. Those who make the descent are rewarded with a glimpse into history. As a WWI-era wreck, it represents a significant moment in maritime warfare. The depth has helped preserve it from the worst of the currents and storm surges, offering a challenging and rewarding dive for those equipped to explore its silent, deep-water grave.

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to AUSTRALBUSH (POSSIBLY)

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AUSTRALBUSH (POSSIBLY)

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • 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