BARD (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Bard, or what we believe is the Bard, is a proper dive for proper wreck enthusiasts. Lying at 32 metres, she’s a steamship torpedoed in 1917, and her story feels etched into the twisted metal. We love poking around the stern, where the triple expansion engine still sits, a hulking testament to her past. You’ll find plenty of resident bib and pollock darting through the gaps, and often some impressive conger eels peering out from deeper crevices – always worth a slow look. This isn't a dive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced. Currents can be tricky here, so picking your day is key. Aim for slack water, and you'll get a good 30 minutes to explore her 56-metre length. Our favourite moments are drifting over the two boilers, just imagining the heat and clang that once echoed through them. It’s a dive that really makes you feel the history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.312500, -5.370567
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
32m

Wreck History - BARD (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

Originally christened the SS Jens Meinich, this Norwegian-built steamship was constructed in 1892 and served as a typical cargo hauler of its era. Powered by a 79-horsepower triple-expansion engine and two large boilers, she plied the seas for a quarter of a century before being renamed the SS Bard.

Her final voyage took place during the height of the First World War. On December 11, 1917, while transporting a cargo of coal from Glasgow to Hennebont, France, the Bard was intercepted by the German submarine UB-31. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing its fate. The ship sank beneath the waves, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the conflict at sea.

Today, the wreck of the Bard rests at a depth of 32 meters off the coast of Cornwall. As a WWI-era wreck, it offers a poignant glimpse into history. Divers can explore the remains of the ship's structure, with the prominent boilers and the triple-expansion engine providing key landmarks. Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life and offering a compelling dive for those interested in maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Godrevy - Portreath

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 BARD (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 BARD (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