BARMSTON - Cornwall & Devon

There’s something about a Cornish wreck, isn't there? The Barmston is a firm favourite of ours, not just for its history, but for how it’s settled on the seabed. She was originally the Martha Sayber, built way back in 1888, a steamship that met her end in 1918. You drop onto the main body of the wreck at about 16 metres, and it's quite intact for its age. We love how the two boilers stand proud, like ancient sentinels, and the triple expansion engine is a fantastic focus for exploration. You’ll often find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses of the machinery, and the plates are thick with jewel anemones, a vibrant splash of colour against the dull metal. Dogfish sometimes cruise over the main deck, their shadows gliding across the hull. It’s a site that really suits divers who enjoy a bit of penetration, though we’d always suggest staying within your comfort zone, as some areas can be quite silty. For us, the Barmston offers a tangible link to the past, a truly atmospheric dive, especially when the light filters down through the green Cornish water.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.544468, -2.456314
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Wreck History - BARMSTON

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The SS Barmston was a veteran steamship with a 30-year career that came to a violent end during the final year of World War I. Built in 1888 in Sunderland, this hardy vessel sailed the seas for decades before finding itself in the crosshairs of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign. On March 3, 1918, while sailing off the coast of Cornwall, the Barmston was spotted by the German submarine UB-57.

A single torpedo sealed the steamer's fate, sending her to the seabed. She now rests at a depth of 16 meters, making her a fantastic and highly accessible wreck dive for a wide range of skill levels. Divers can explore the remains of this wartime casualty, including her two large boilers and triple-expansion engine. The wreck is a poignant memorial to the merchant sailors who risked everything during the Great War, and it now serves as a bustling artificial reef, teeming with the marine life of the English Channel.

Marine Protected Area: Chesil Beach and Stennis Ledges

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 BARMSTON

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 BARMSTON

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 is the typical diving depth at Barmston?
The typical diving depth at the Barmston dive site is 16 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers looking to explore a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Barmston?
Divers at Barmston can expect to explore the impressive underwater features of a steam ship vessel, measuring 76.2m x 10.8m. This historical wreck, sunk in 1918, offers a fascinating structure to navigate. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species.
How challenging is diving at Barmston for different certification levels?
Diving at Barmston is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should possess appropriate experience and training for wreck diving. This site is best suited for certified divers comfortable with such conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive at Barmston for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Barmston. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Barmston?
Given that Barmston is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty wreck diving certification would be highly recommended. Divers should have experience and training suitable for navigating wrecks safely.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperatures like at the Barmston dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents, visibility, or water temperatures at the Barmston dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.