BANTRY - Cornwall & Devon

The Bantry is a proper dive, a deep shot for the south west, resting at 25 metres. We love this wreck for its character, a steamship that went down in 1934, now well broken but still very much a ship. You drop onto the boiler, a good landmark, then follow the run of the deck where the hull has started to fold in on itself. The bow section is the most intact part, standing proud and offering plenty of nooks to poke a torch into. Expect to see conger eels tucked into every dark crevice, often surprisingly large, and plenty of bib flitting through the beams. The visibility here can be decent, especially on a settled day, giving you a chance to appreciate the scale of the wreckage. Our favourite part is the engine room area, where the machinery is still recognisable, a real testament to its build. It’s definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and the occasional surge. Pick a neap tide for the best conditions; the currents here can be a bit of a nuisance otherwise.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.600594, -0.768150
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Wreck History - BANTRY

Year Sunk
1934
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
436 GRT

The SS Bantry had a long and varied career before settling on the seabed off the Cornish coast. Built in 1904 by Murdoch & Murray in Glasgow, she served under several names, including Rossbank and Westford, before being named Bantry. By 1934, after three decades of service, the aging steamship was sold for scrap and her final journey began under tow to the breakers' yard.

However, the sea had other plans. On March 25, 1934, a fierce gale struck, and the Bantry broke free from her tow. Helpless against the storm's fury, the old vessel foundered and sank. Today, she lies at a comfortable depth of 25 meters, making her an accessible and popular dive site for a wide range of divers. The wreck is well broken up, with her single boiler standing proud and the compound expansion engine easily identifiable. Divers can explore the scattered plates and machinery, which are now home to a vibrant ecosystem of fish, crabs, and colorful anemones, offering a picturesque end to a long working life.

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 BANTRY

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 BANTRY

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving in Bantry Bay, especially around the wreck sites like the MV Kowloon Bridge?
For the BANTRY wreck site in Cornwall & Devon, divers can expect typical depths of 25 meters. This specific steam ship vessel, sunk in 1934, offers a focused wreck diving experience at this depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Bantry Bay?
When diving the BANTRY site, divers will explore the remains of a 54.9m x 8.2m steam ship vessel, built in 1904 and sunk in 1934. This significant wreck provides a fascinating underwater feature, though specific marine life details are not available for this site.
How challenging is the diving in Bantry Bay, particularly for sites such as the MV Kowloon Bridge wreck?
Diving the BANTRY wreck in Cornwall & Devon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification, along with its designation as a 'Dangerous wreck', suggests that divers should possess appropriate experience and training for such sites.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Bantry Bay for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility for diving in Bantry Bay, or specifically the BANTRY wreck, is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local dive centers for current conditions and seasonal insights before planning your trip to when to dive.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for exploring dive sites in Bantry Bay, especially for deeper wrecks?
For exploring the BANTRY wreck, which is an intermediate difficulty dive to 25 meters and classified as a 'Dangerous wreck', an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate such a site. Further specialized training in wreck diving is also advisable.
What are the typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, like for diving in Bantry Bay?
Details on typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, for diving in Bantry Bay or the BANTRY wreck, are not provided in the available data. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on site conditions before planning their dive.