BALHOLM - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.612500, -5.069305
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - BALHOLM

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.

Marine Protected Area: Broomhill Burrows

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 BALHOLM

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 BALHOLM

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