BARON SALTOUN - Cornwall & Devon

The Baron Saltoun is a proper wreck dive, sitting upright and pretty intact in a modest 12 metres of water. We love it because it’s so accessible for most divers, especially when the conditions are good, meaning less current and decent visibility. The bow points west and you can make out the anchor chains and winches fairly easily. Drop down into the holds, which are often swarming with schools of pollack and wrasse. We’ve even seen a few conger eels tucked away in the darker recesses. It’s a bit of a historical dive too, a WWII casualty, mined in 1940. You get a real sense of its past as you explore the structure; the metalwork is heavily encrusted with plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers, which really bloom in the current. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where the prop shaft can still be seen and there’s often a lively display of blennies and gobies flitting about. It's a great site for photographers keen on macro subjects and those looking for a relaxed wreck exploration without the usual deep dive headaches.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.667057, -1.622167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Wreck History - BARON SALTOUN

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mine

The SS Baron Saltoun was a British freighter caught in the maelstrom of the Second World War. By June 1940, the English Channel and its approaches were a deadly theatre of war, with German U-boats and aircraft laying extensive minefields to disrupt the vital shipping that kept Britain alive. The Baron Saltoun was one of the many merchant vessels sailing under this constant threat, carrying essential cargo for the war effort.

On June 12, 1940, the ship's luck ran out when it struck a German mine off the coast of Cornwall. The explosion was devastating, sending the freighter to the bottom. Today, the Baron Saltoun lies at a depth of 12 metres. Its designation as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a warning to divers of potential hazards from snagging on twisted metal. For those who dive it, the wreck is a poignant and accessible piece of WWII history, its structure now serving as an artificial reef teeming with marine life, a silent monument to the perils of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Marine Protected Area: Les Ecrehous

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 BARON SALTOUN

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 BARON SALTOUN

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