BELLE ROCK (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Belle Rock, and yes, it’s a 'possibly' because the exact identity can be a bit fluid down here, offers a proper slice of history. This steamship, built in 1909 and sunk in 1940, lies at a comfortable 19 metres. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's about the wreck itself and the life that’s made it home. We love the feeling of exploring something so tangible from another era, especially with that deep green Cornwall light filtering through. The wreck is quite broken up, but you can still pick out the bow and stern, and the two boilers are a prominent feature, often swarming with pollack. Around the machinery, you’ll find plenty of inquisitive cuckoo wrasse darting in and out, and the nooks and crannies are perfect for conger eels – keep an eye out for those heads peeking from the shadows. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the UK, but on a good day, the atmosphere is incredible. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide; it makes navigating the scattered remains much more enjoyable and gives you more time to appreciate the structure. It’s a great dive for anyone who enjoys a historical wreck that’s been thoroughly reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.351868, -3.669823
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m

Wreck History - BELLE ROCK (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
bombing
Tonnage
1,177 GRT

The SS Belle Rock was a classic steamship built in 1909 by the Ailsa Shipbuilding Co. in Troon, Scotland. Originally named the SS Lavernock, she served as a coastal cargo carrier for over three decades. Her civilian career came to a violent end on July 16, 1940, during the early stages of World War II. While sailing off the Cornish coast, she was attacked by a German aircraft and struck by a bomb. The explosion proved fatal, and the Belle Rock sank beneath the waves, becoming another casualty of the war at sea.

Lying at a depth of 19 metres, the Belle Rock is a fantastic and highly accessible wreck dive. As a vessel from the golden age of steam, its remains offer a classic wreck diving experience. Divers can explore the ship's prominent features, including its two large boilers and the impressive triple-expansion steam engine, which still stand upright. The hull is broken but largely intact, allowing for easy navigation and exploration. Over the decades, the wreck has been colonised by a rich variety of marine life, with schools of bib, pollack, and colourful wrasse making their home amongst the steel plates.

Marine Protected Area: Monknash Coast

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 BELLE ROCK (POSSIBLY)

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 BELLE ROCK (POSSIBLY)

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