BAYCHATTAN - Cornwall & Devon

Dropping onto the Baychattan is like stepping back in time, if time travel involved a cold plunge into the Atlantic. This isn’t a shallow reef bimble, so bring your twinset and make sure your drysuit is sealed tight. We love how intact she is for a ship that met her end over a century ago. You’ll trace her massive 110-meter length, starting with the bow, often upright and proud, before working your way along the deck. The bridge area is our favourite, where the telegraphs and helm often remain, encrusted with dead man’s fingers and hydroids. Visibility can be a real mixed bag; if you catch it on a good day, the light filters down, illuminating schools of pollock that dart between the superstructure. Even when it's murky, the sheer scale of the ship is impressive, looming out of the gloom. This site truly suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate history and don't mind a proper expedition.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.190450, -3.702817
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Wreck History - BAYCHATTAN

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,758 GRT

The SS Baychattan began her life in 1906 as the Kilchattan, built in the famous shipyards of Glasgow. She was later acquired by The Bay Steamship Co. Ltd., joining their fleet of cargo vessels. During World War I, she was engaged in long-haul transport, bringing essential goods from across the British Empire to the home islands. In the autumn of 1917, she was on the final leg of a long voyage from Karachi, carrying a general cargo destined for London.

On October 11th, 1917, as she navigated the English Channel south of the Eddystone Lighthouse, she was spotted by the German submarine UB-40. Without warning, a torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The Baychattan sank beneath the waves, another victim of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign which aimed to starve Britain into submission.

Today, the Baychattan is a deep technical dive, lying upright on the seabed at 53 meters. Her significant depth has helped preserve her, and while the wooden superstructure has long since rotted away, her hull remains impressively intact. The most prominent features for divers are the massive triple-expansion engine and two large boilers, which stand proud amidships. The wreck is often subject to strong currents, but this can result in excellent visibility, offering a spectacular view of this historic vessel and the deep-water marine life that now calls her home.

Marine Protected Area: Skerries Bank and Surrounds

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 BAYCHATTAN

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 BAYCHATTAN

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 maximum depth of the Baychattan dive site?
The maximum depth of the Baychattan dive site is 53 meters. This makes it a deeper dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Baychattan wreck?
The Baychattan is a fascinating steam ship wreck, measuring 110.3m by 14.6m, that sank on October 11, 1917. Divers can explore its substantial structure, including two boilers, a triple expansion engine, and a single shaft. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks like this often become vibrant artificial reefs over time, attracting various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Baychattan wreck dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Baychattan wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is not suitable for all experience levels and is best undertaken by divers with adequate training and experience in deeper wreck diving.
What are the optimal times or seasons to dive the Baychattan wreck for the best conditions?
The provided data does not specify optimal times or seasons to dive the Baychattan wreck for the best conditions. We recommend checking local dive reports and forecasts for Cornwall & Devon before planning your trip to ensure favorable diving conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Baychattan wreck?
Given the Baychattan wreck's maximum depth of 53 meters and its classification as an intermediate dive, divers would typically need advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties. These certifications ensure you have the necessary skills and experience to safely explore such a challenging and deep site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Baychattan dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current conditions or visibility at the Baychattan dive site. For up-to-date details on these factors, it is always best to consult with local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon.