BEHREND
Protected Area
East of Start Point
Why dive here
With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BEHREND offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical BEHREND Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 57m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BEHREND Wreck History
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.
Reviews for BEHREND
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BEHREND
BEHREND Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BEHREND, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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