BALHOLM

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Broomhill Burrows

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) - BALHOLM 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 22m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Balholm, a ferry that went down in 1979, feels like a proper deep dive even at just 22 metres. We love how much of the vessel is still there, considering the storms that hit this coast. You can poke around the wheelhouse, which is often full of pollack, and we’ve had some great encounters with spider crabs clinging to the old deck fittings. Visibility here can swing wildly, but when it’s good, the light catching the kelp-covered bow section is pretty striking. We always head for the prop, it’s usually swarming with juvenile fish. This wreck is a brilliant dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of history and doesn’t mind a strong current if the tide’s running.

Typical BALHOLM 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 22m - 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.

Today06:3817:3811h 0m daylightGolden hour 16:52

BALHOLM Wreck History

Year Sunk

1979

Vessel Type

ferry

Cause

storm

Tonnage

498 GRT

The MV Balholm was a Norwegian-built ferry with a long service history before its dramatic end in the winter of 1979. Originally constructed in 1941, the vessel served various routes in Norway for decades. Its final voyage began when it suffered engine failure during a severe storm while en route to the Isles of Scilly for a refit. On January 25, 1979, the crew anchored the disabled ferry near Crow Rock to ride out the weather.

As conditions worsened, the Penlee lifeboat was launched in a heroic effort to rescue the crew. With the ship unmanned and at the mercy of the gale, its anchor dragged, and the Balholm was driven onto the rocks. It sank the following day, coming to rest in shallow water. Today, the wreck of the Balholm lies at a maximum depth of 22 meters. It is significantly broken up due to decades of storm action, but its boilers, engine, and large sections of hull are still recognizable. The wreckage has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of pollack and bib, and is a popular site for its accessibility and abundant marine life.