BARSAC - Cornwall & Devon

The BARSAC is a moody old girl, sitting upright at 34 metres, and for us, she’s a standout on the UK wreck roster. What makes her special isn’t just the history – torpedoed in 1918 off Le Havre – it’s the way she’s come to rest. The bow points west, split down the middle by the impact, creating a dramatic V-shape as you descend into the gloom. We love hovering over that broken bow, looking into the cargo holds, sometimes spotting a shy anglerfish tucked away. She’s well-colonised now, with dead man's fingers coating the bulkheads and huge bib shoals swirling through the superstructure. Our favourite is the stern, still quite intact, where you can often find conger eels peering from pipes. This isn't a wreck for beginners, mind you. The depth means careful planning, and currents can be a factor, so pick your weather window. Come with a good torch; the BARSAC truly reveals herself in the beams. You’ll feel the weight of history here, a real connection to the past.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.572304, -0.544663
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
34m

Wreck History - BARSAC

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,838 GRT

The SS Barsac was a British steamship that served during the height of the First World War, ferrying vital supplies across the English Channel. Built in 1904, the 1,838-ton vessel played a crucial role in the war effort, navigating the dangerous, submarine-infested waters between Britain and France. Its career came to an abrupt and violent end on January 11, 1918, while on a voyage from Brest to Le Havre with a cargo of hay for the war effort on the Western Front.

Just 15 miles from its destination, the Barsac was spotted by the German submarine UB-58. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing its fate. The ship sank quickly, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the era. The wreck now lies on the seabed as a solemn memorial to the perils faced by the merchant navy during WWI.

Today, the Barsac rests at a depth of 34 metres. Classified as a dangerous wreck, it presents a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts exploring the waters off the French coast. The structure is broken but offers a fascinating glimpse into a WWI-era steamship, with its boilers and machinery often visible. The wreck is a poignant reminder of a conflict that reached far beneath the waves.

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 BARSAC

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 BARSAC

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