BAYAWAHHA - Cornwall & Devon

Bayawaha. Even the name has a certain mysterious ring to it, doesn’t it? This isn't a sunny tropical reef, but for those who love a good piece of history beneath the waves, she's a proper find off the Cornish coast. Dropping down to 38 metres, you're looking at a serious deep dive here, so save it for when you're feeling sharp and properly qualified. We love the Bayawaha because she's more than just a pile of metal; she's a time capsule from New Year's Eve, 1916. Sunk en route from Plymouth to Dartmouth, the wreck sits upright, remarkably intact in places. You can pick out engine room components and parts of her structure, which is always satisfying for wreck aficionados. Visibility, like much of the UK, can be a bit of a lottery, but on a good day, the low light filtering through the green water gives her a truly atmospheric feel. Look closely and you'll spot plenty of dab and dogfish lurking in the shadows, along with spider crabs scuttling over corroded plates. It's a dive that rewards patience and a good torch, perfect for experienced wreck divers who appreciate maritime history over colourful corals.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.265587, -4.000318
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Wreck History - BAYAWAHHA

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mine
Tonnage
3,626 GRT

The SS Bayawahha was a British steam cargo ship that, like so many merchant vessels of her time, found herself playing a crucial role during the First World War. At over 3,600 tons, she was a workhorse of the merchant fleet, tasked with transporting vital supplies to keep the country running and to support the ongoing war effort against the Central Powers.

Her career was cut short on New Year's Eve, 1916. While undertaking a short coastal journey from Plymouth to Dartmouth, a seemingly safe passage, she had the misfortune of striking a German mine. The mine had been laid by the submarine UC-16, part of Germany's campaign to cripple British shipping. The explosion was catastrophic, and the Bayawahha sank with the loss of four of her crew.

Resting at 38 meters, the wreck of the Bayawahha is now a popular site for experienced UK divers. She lies on her starboard side and is significantly broken up, with her bow and stern sections being the most prominent features. Her boilers stand tall from the wreckage, providing an unmissable landmark for navigation. The scattered remains have transformed into an excellent artificial reef, providing a home for conger eels, lobsters, and dense schools of bib and pollack.

Marine Protected Area: Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone

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 BAYAWAHHA

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 BAYAWAHHA

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