BELLEROCK - Cornwall & Devon

Bellerock is one of those wrecks that really rewards a careful dive. She’s a steamship, the ex-Lavernock, went down in 1940 after hitting a mine, and now sits upright on the seabed at 29 metres. The bow points south, a good marker for navigation, and we love how intact she feels despite the years. You can still pick out the two boilers midships, huge dark cylinders where conger eels often lurk, and the triple expansion engine is a beautiful, skeletal frame, draped in dead man’s fingers and plumose anemones. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in British waters, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the colours on the anemones are surprisingly vibrant. We’ve seen schools of pollack shimmering above the superstructure, and ling peeking out from dark corners. It’s a wreck that really tells a story, and for experienced divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and potential currents, Bellerock offers a fantastic exploration. Take your time, bring a good torch, and don't forget to look for the prop shaft running towards the stern.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.332150, -3.757869
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Wreck History - BELLEROCK

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
833 GRT

Originally christened the SS Lavernock when she was launched in 1909, this steamship was renamed the SS Bellerock in 1938. Her career under her new name was short-lived, cut short by the events of World War II. On July 16, 1940, while steaming as part of a convoy carrying a cargo of coal, the Bellerock was targeted by the German E-boat S-26. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sending her to the bottom of the English Channel.

Today, the Bellerock rests at a depth of 29 metres, making it an excellent dive for experienced divers. The wreck is broken into several sections but remains a substantial and recognizable site. Divers can explore the ship's two large boilers, which stand proud of the seabed, and the impressive triple-expansion engine. The surrounding wreckage provides a rich habitat for marine life, with shoals of fish, conger eels, and colourful anemones colonizing the steel plates. Exploring the Bellerock is a journey back in time to a dramatic moment in wartime history.

Marine Protected Area: Glenthorne

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 BELLEROCK

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 BELLEROCK

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