BELLEROCK

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Glenthorne

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) - BELLEROCK offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 29m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.

Typical BELLEROCK Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Depth of 29m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

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.

Today06:3217:3311h 1m daylightGolden hour 16:48

BELLEROCK Wreck History

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.