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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Belle Rock?
The Belle Rock dive site has a typical depth of 19 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for those with appropriate training and experience. Divers should be comfortable with dives to this depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at Belle Rock?
Divers at Belle Rock can expect to explore the remains of a steam ship vessel, which sank on July 16, 1940. The wreck, measuring 73.2m x 10.3m, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine, offering interesting structural elements to discover. While specific marine life is not detailed in the available data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging is the Belle Rock dive site, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
The Belle Rock dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and intermediate difficulty, it is not suitable for all certification levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should possess the necessary experience and training for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or specific conditions for diving at Belle Rock?
Information regarding the best time of year or specific conditions for diving at Belle Rock is not available in the current data context. For optimal diving experiences, it's always recommended to check local conditions and forecasts before planning your dive. You can often find more details on when to dive pages.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Belle Rock?
Given that Belle Rock is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Wreck Diver specialties are highly recommended. These certifications provide the necessary skills and knowledge for safely exploring wreck sites at this depth and complexity. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort level.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Belle Rock?
The provided data context does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at Belle Rock. Divers should consult local dive operators or resources for up-to-date information on these conditions before planning their dive. Understanding these factors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive experience.