BEHREND - Cornwall & Devon

The Behrend sits deep, a somber reminder of a WWI encounter, sunk by a German submarine in 1916. At 57 metres, this isn’t one for the casual diver. We’ve always found it a compelling dive, a true journey into the past, sitting upright and surprisingly intact given its age and depth. You'll descend onto the deck, a wooden sailing vessel now blanketed in dead men's fingers and anemones. The bowsprit points into the murk, draped in kelp. Our favourite part has to be the holds, often accessible if you're comfortable with overhead environments and have the right training. They’re usually full of conger eels, their heads peeking from dark corners, and sometimes even a lobster or two. Visibility can be a challenge, as it often is in the deeper UK waters, but on a good day, the Behrend offers incredible penetration opportunities. It’s a dive that rewards careful planning and respect for its historical significance. A perfect pick for experienced technical divers seeking a meaningful wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.100616, -3.101236
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
57m

Wreck History - BEHREND

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
torpedo

The Behrend met a violent end during the height of the First World War. On November 30, 1916, while transiting the English Channel somewhere between Start Point and Cape de la Hague, she was targeted and sunk by the German submarine UB-19. The attack was swift and decisive, sending the sailing vessel to the seabed, where she would lie forgotten for decades. Her final resting place is recorded as being approximately 35 nautical miles southwest of Portland Bill.

Today, the Behrend is a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced technical divers. Lying at a depth of 57 meters, the wreck is subject to the strong currents and variable visibility typical of the English Channel. Those with the necessary training and equipment will find the remains of a WWI casualty, a poignant reminder of the U-boat's devastating campaign. The dive requires careful planning, but offers a deep, atmospheric exploration of a piece of maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 BEHREND

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 BEHREND

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